Doha, Apr 29: Aditya Mehta stunned fancied compatriot Pankaj Advani to become only the third Indian ever to clinch the Asian Snooker Championships here on Sunday. In his third appearance at the event, Aditya started off bit nervously but won the crucial second frame with a 49 clearance after being 40 down.

Pankaj struck back by taking the lead 3-2, but soon after, Aditya levelled it 3-3 and took the lead 6-3 with a break of 60 in the ninth frame. Aditya eventually sealed the match 7-5.

Aditya is the third Indian to lift the Asian Snooker title and brings the championship trophy home after an eight-year long wait. "I feel extremely thrilled about winning the gold. After my earlier attempts where I won two silvers, I was determined to get the gold this year, which is why it means much more to me," Aditya said. "It gives me immense pleasure to know that I am the third Indian to have won such a prestigious title."

Pankaj won the silver, followed by Hossein Vafaei from Iran, who bagged the bronze. Over 40 players representing 15 countries battled for the coveted crown.

Aditya will next play at the Hindustan Club National Invitation Snooker Championship at Kolkata from May 4 to 9.

PTI