Malaysia overpower Pakistan 5-4 to win World Team Snooker

KARACHI: Malaysia overpowered Pakistan number three outfit 5-4 in a thriller to seize Jubilee Insurance World Team Snooker Championship crown which concluded here on Saturday.

Asjad Iqbal pairing with Shahid Aftab made a crucial missing on the brown at fag end of the match as Malaysian clawed the way from jaws of defeat to clear the table to win the 9th and final frame 53, 43 to emerge as the new team champions at Darbar Hall of Movenpick Hotel.

It was grand victory for the Malaysians duo of Keen Hoo Moh and Kok Leong Lim as they came from behind to chalk out nail biting victory after intriguing around four hour final.

Asjad and Shahid were all set to regain the title for the country which Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Sajjad won in Ireland in 2012. But brown ball miss cost them dearly.

Asjad was seen crying after making a missing the as Malaysians claimed the title.

Pakistan started well by winning the opening frame added surge 4-3 ahead which was spiced with a break of 66.

A break of 72 saw Moh and Lim par terms with crafty potting and fighting display and luck favored the visitors as they won the final frame 40-71, 77-20, 66-73, 101-06, 73-42, 0-67, 38-63, 102-25, 53-43.

Earlier Afghanistan shattered Muhammad Yousuf and Naveen Perwani’ s dream of winning the Masters title with one way 5-2 victory.

Saleh a former Pakistan cueist and ex Asian Champion before shifting to Kabul played the main role in his team victory.

Managing Director Jubilee Insurance Tahir Ahmed who was the chief guest at the presentation ceremony presented the crystal trophy and 2400 to winners from Malaysia while Pakistan got 1200.

President of Asian Confederation of Billiards Sports (ABSC) Mubarak Al Khayarin of Qatar President PBSA Alamgir Shaikh and other officials were also present on the occasion. (APP)