Imran grabs De Monte Snooker Cup in a thriller with two century breaks

After struggling for nearly two years, fighting Imran Shehzad of Punjab won his first event when he beat Sindh’s Sohail Shehzad 8-6 in the final of  Del Monte Snooker Cup National Ranking Snooker Championship here on Sunday.Lahore-based Imran, who had represented Pakistan in the Asian Snooker Championship, displayed a great spirit and stamina and struck two century breaks while winning a marathon encounter lasting six and half hours  at Amir Bakhsh Billiards Hall of Karachi Club here.The final turned out to be a saw-see and match of fluctuating fortunes. But experienced Imran held his nerves to emerge the  eventual winner.
Diminutive cueist Imran came from 1-2 and 2-3 down to carve out 23-75, 94-15, 16-86, 68-21, 34-86, 127-01, 72-58, 50-60, 56-27, 54-81, 78-44, 49-66, 69-44, 103-0 victory.
After losing the first, third and fifth frame, Imran got the spotlight by smashing a superb break  of 123 by masterly sinking the multi-coloured balls to thrill the jamcpack audience. He ended the glory in style by grabbing the title in style with his second century break of 103 in the final frame.
Chairman  National Assembly Standing Committee on Sports, Iqbal Muhammad Ali presented the glittering trophy and cash prize of Rs 50,000 to Imran Shahzad, who also got Rs 5000 for making the highest break of  the event. Sohail Shahzad collected runner-up trophy and Rs 30,000.
Managing Director Del Monte, Nisar Anjum, PBSA President Alamgir Shaikh and other officials  were also present  on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Nisar Anjum  said Imran Shahzad  is under the fold of his company and will be sponsored by Del Monte. – app