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Indian cueists win Peace Cup

Source: PTI
June 19, 2004 21:58 IST
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India took an unassailable 2-0 lead against Pakistan in the Rexello Castors Peace Cup Snooker tournament in Chandigarh on Saturday leaving their neighbours to play for pride in the inconsequential third Test.

The win was sweet revenge for India after the series defeat it suffered in Pakistan last year.

After winning the first Test convincingly yesterday, India won the second encounter 5-2 to go 2-0 up in the three Test series.

In the first match, Asian Games Gold medallist Rafat Habib beat young Pakistani star Muhammad Atiq Buksh 89-24, 26-66, 62-61 but Pakistan fought back when veteran Muhammed Yousuf beat World Amatuer Champion Pankaj Advani 49-6, 70-0.

Advani looked lacklustre in singles, but once he teamed up with promising talent Manan Chandra in doubles, against Pakistan's top ranked player Khurram Agha and young talent Imran Shahzad, the world champion made it look easy the duo wrapping the match in straight frames 59-50, 78-29.

Up 2-1, World No. 2 Pakistan's Saleh Muhammad took the first frame against Yasin Merchant, who put up a fighting show but lost 59-57.

Under pressure, Merchant bulldozed his way through the next two frames 92-0, 61-12 to win in great style.

Pakistan were now desperately needing a win to stay in the hunt, but Asian champion Alok Kumar ravaged Khurram Agha 73-20, 59-17 to put India in a commanding position.

The second doubles match between Alok Kumar and Rafath Habib against Saleh Muhammad and Buksh also went India's way 67-2, 73-1.

"It's a fantastic win and hats off to Yasin Merchant for coming back in to form and playing an incredible game," Indian coach Michael Ferreira said.

A disappointed Pakistani non-playing captain Shahnawaz Khan praised India's superb performance.

"India played better than Pakistan. They performed like a team. We may be out of the tournament, but watch us tomorrow," he said.

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