Yasin claims Islam Gymkhana title

Mumbai, May 27 (UNI) Yasin Merchant raced to an impressive 5-0 win over Kamal Chawla to clinch the Nagee-Islam Gymkhana Invitation Snooker Tournament which concluded today.

The twice Asian champion got off to a fluent start in the opening frame and showed his class in the second when he recovered from a 28-69 deficit to clinch the frame by one point with a brilliant 42 clearance.

Chawla surged to the lead and looked set to take the frame following a significant break of 54. But Yasin, who started the frame with a 28, followed it with the clearance.

That comeback reflected the awesome form that Yasin enjoyed throughout the tournament and he capped his winning streak with what turned out to be a convincing win against one of the most consistent players in the competition.

''I don't think it would be right to go by the final verdict.

It's never easy against a player of Kamal's calibre. He was capable of taking a frame or two. I was down by about 65 points in two frames and was forced to make an effort to come back,'' explained Yasin. ''But I enjoyed my clearance in the fifth frame, that was the best part of the match.'' ''I was missing easy shots during the entire tournament. My safety play was not up to the mark and Yasin capitalised on his chances in the final,'' Chawla said.

Earlier in the semi-finals, Yasin crushed Ashok Shandilya 5-0, while Chawla overcame Dhruv Sitwala 5-2.

Yasin earned Rs. 15,000, while runner-up Chawla received Rs 7,000.

Yasin also earned Rs. 2,000 for the highest break of 132.

Results: Final: Yasin Merchant bt Kamal Chawla (Rlys) 5-0 (86-31, 70(42)-69(54), 65-43, 87-5, 60-52).

Semi-finals: Kamal Chawla bt Dhruv Sitwala 5-2 (83-35, 74-30, 18-65, 86-(56)-10, 78-2, 15-82(66), 46-42); Yasin Merchant bt Ashok Shandilya 5-0 (65-16, 62-16, 105(72clr)-15, 73-42, 72-49).

Highest break: Yasin Merchant (132).

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