Fazal wins National Snooker title

Bernard PERERA

SNOOKER: M.L.M. Fazal (Moors Sports Club) out played veteran quests Henry Boteju (YMCA) in the final six frames to three to carry away the National Snooker title for the year 2007.

Boteju who was the favourite from the commencement of the tournament failed to live upto expectations in the final. He got off to a flying start winning the first frame at 56-17. Fazal made a strong fight back to win the following two sets 50-9 and 58-48.

Once again Boteju levelled when he completed the fourth frame at 91-57. Never say die Fazal made it a point to score as much as possible from every opportunity and clinched fifth and the sixth frames comfortably 66-16 and 52-19.

In a very battle Boteju making good use of his experience once again got the better of Fazal to win his third and the seventh frames at 59-52, (4-3).

Fazal who sensing danger once again got into the act quickly and made no mistakes thereafter.

He finished the eight and the ninth frames convincingly at 77-32 and 56-27 to win these two frames and also the National Snooker title for the year 2007. In the play off match S.H.M. Aslam of Moors Sports Club defeated Nimal de Silva (Grand Hotel Nuwara-Eliya to finish at the third slot.

The 2007 National Snooker Championship sponsored by Sumathi Group of companies saw many upsets take place. Many of the experienced quests expected reach the quarter finals failed to maintain them National Billiard Champion K.H. Sirisoma and Boteju were the favourites after the quarters, but could not finish at the top.

Results. M.L.M. Aslam (MSL) beat Henry Boteju (YMCA) - 6-3 (17-56, 50-9, 58-48, 57-91, 66-16, 52-19, 52-59, 77-32, 56-27).

Play off - S.H.M. Aslam (MSC) beat Nimal de Silva (Grand Hotel Nuwara-Eliya) 3-0