Players are more defensive now a days

Exclusive bites of CSI Executive Director ... Sonic Multani (former snookerist)

He became national snooker champion after a sensational victory over Rafath Habib in Mumbai way back in the 1990s. He, however, retired when at the peak of his career in the year 1997-98, but his love for the game has kept Sonic Multani close to the green table. the 38-year old is always ready to lend his expertise to betterment of Cue Sports and young cueists.

Has the game changed since your retirement?

Yes, by quite an extent. The standard is declining. Today's players are more defensive. I don't know why they do not show more aggression. I don't really enjoy watching the game as I did earlier.

Do you think you were overshadowed by Geet Sethi and Rupesh Shah?

Not at all. I enjoyed my game in my heyday. I was completely into the game and am still attached because of my love for it. Fame is only a by-product of the sport.

What do you think of pool parlours?

They are catalysts for the development of the game, but the government's decision to tax them compelled many to shut shop. And so, the reason main for organizing state-level open competitions is to bring parlour and club players together on the same table, where they can learn from each others' games.

How did you learn the game?

I used to buy videos of my favourite players like Stephen Hendry, Steve Davies and James Wattanna. I learnt the art of playing by watching their videos.

Did you play against them?

Yes, I met Stephen Hendry and played against him as well. It was in the year 1991. As usual the champion was in good form, but I stretched him till the last frame and last ball. Henry won that game, but Ienjoyed it very much.

Ahmedabad

Thursday 13 August 2009