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Top Table Riley at Matunga Gymkhana

 

Devendra Joshi and Raja Subramaniam couldn't conceal their glee on Wednesday. Matunga Gymkhana, where they have honed their cue sports talent is the first club in the country to have a top-end Riley billiards table.

 

The gymkhana, which has earned a reputation for having the best available sporting facilities like a Wimbledon-type tennis court and an Olympic-size pool, has Riley's Aristocrat billiards table. It's the one on which the World Professional Snooker championship is held, not to add all the big billiards events. There are club-grade Riley tables with easier pockets in at Juhu Gymkhana.

 

This topmost pro table cost Rs.7 Lakh, almost thrice the normal tables which are priced at around Rs.2.5 Lakh. But the gymkhana didn't mind the cost because of the longevity of the table. If used properly it can last over 40 years. Other tables bought by clubs start shaking after three-four years. Two of the gymkhana's stalwarts Devendra Joshi and Venkatesh Subramaniam, popularly known as 'Raja' went ga-ga over the new table. Said Joshi, a one-time World Pro No 2, "The steel cushions are even, there is no sound when the ball strikes them. You require the minimum effort to get the ball back. The slates of the old tables get uneven." Subramaniam said, "Ram took just five hours to assemble it so well it was packed. The slates fit in like a jig-saw. After the new cloth settles down the roll of the ball will be even better."

 

The table looked slick with silvery wooden legs. Juniors will no doubt be attracted to cue sport after seeing such a facility.

 

Joshi had long spell of practice with Ajay Agarwal, from the famous family, ahead of an event in Bangalore before he goes to Belgium for the European Open.

 

Pradeep Vijayakar - Mumbai

Wednesday 03 June 2009

 

 

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Last modified: Wednesday August 26, 2009 13:36:46 +0530