Snooker: Thepchaiya to clash Ayouri for title on Friday

KARACHI: Thepchaiya Un-Nooh of Thailand set up Friday's title clash with Hossein Vafaei Ayouri in the Jubilee Insurance 7-nation International Snooker Championship after they shattered the dreams of Pakistani duo of Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Sajjad in the semifinals here on Thursday evening.

Pakistan Champion Muhammad Asif got the distinction of chalking out tournament's highest break of 136 but still lost the second semifinal against Un-Nooh 6-2.

Lanky 34-year-old cueist Muhammad Asif from Faisalabad, delighted the small band of his supporters by constructing a spectacular break of 136 in the 7th frame before making his exit.

The best of 13-frame final will break-off at 12 noon. Managing Directors of Jubilee Insurance Tahir Ahmed and Javed Ahmed will be the chief guests at the presentation ceremony in the evening.

The left handed Thepchaiya Un-Nooh got off to a great start by racing to 5-0 nil lead as Asif watched haplessly on the 4th chair.

After conceding the first frame easily, Asif offered Un-Nooh some fight in the second frame.

However Thai demonstrating superb potting with soft touch, dominated the match. Asif gained some momentum in the sixth frame and reached his top during the century break.

But Un-Nooh compiled a fine break of 59 in the eighth frame to complete 85-43, 55-44, 79-42, 89-13, 73-53, 37-86, 0-136, 63-36 victory.

Earlier in the first semifinal, Reigning World Champions Hossein Vafaei Ayouri of Iran earned berth in the final by overcoming fighting Muhammad Sajjad of Pakistan 6-5 after a marathon contest.

Former Asian championship runner-up Sajjad gained 5-3 advantage but losing his grip before going down as his Iranian opponent seized the last three frames with skill and tactical play.

Hossein Vafaei Ayouri defeated Muhammad Sajjad (Pakistan) 6-5 (5-90, 61-14, 00-80,81-00, 5-70, 9-108,78-54, 7-69, 88-17,69-56, 76-15). (APP)