Yasin Merchant wins National snooker

Maharashtra's Yasin Merchant retained the Senior National snooker title when he beat Alok Kumar of Punjab 7-2 in the final of the 67th edition of the championship, in Madras, on Saturday.

In a dull clash, both Merchant and Kumar struggled throughout, but the former capitalised on Kumar's mistakes to post meagre breaks that stood him in good stead to triumph at 55-48, 75-47, 61-50, 57-70, 22-79, 72-45, 67-40, 28-57, 74-69.

Neither player had any sizeable break throughout the match. The ninth frame was close as the players went neck and neck. With 25 points on the table, Kumar, who had a slender five-point lead, took out a snook and Merchant was tricked with the position of green, blue and black balls.

Merchant had no leeway with these three balls blocking each other and could only play a two cushion as green and blue were rather close to each other on a straight line. Even a three cushion shot would not have given him the advantage.

At this stage, Merchant asked for a 'foul and miss', but referee Raj Mohan ruled it only as 'foul'.

However, Merchant went on to increase the lead in his next visit and then wrapped up the match.

This is Merchant's third title triumph.