The Elusive 147
147
Thousand Rupees is up for grabs for a 147 scored in the ongoing
tournament. In the main draw 30 Matches have been played over 169
frames by the best in the country and all that was achieved were the
two lone century breaks by Pankaj Advani – a 135 & a 107. The opener
by the little genius with a 135 brought in headlines –
"Pankaj smells 147". This probably would have brought in
the crowds sensing intent by the top guns to go for it. The CCI did
not err in their concept - 147 thousand for the 147 break and 100
Thousand for the Winner of the tournament. What happened after
the initial salvo was what generally happens at all tournaments in
the country – caution sets in and the approach is to just win the
frame or the match. So I guess the “virtual 147 Thousand” remains
with the CCI unless Pankaj & Yasin have other ideas as they flex
themselves for the Finals. I am willing to wager 147 Thousand
against it. Any takers?
Could we have a format where 16 top players play in two pools on a
league cum round robin basis and the Winner is decided on the number
of centuries he notches up or possibly on the highest break in the
match? I wonder if this would free the arms of the players and they
play positive. The International Scene is not open for one who
scores breaks of only 50’s & 60’s. Safety play is an exception
rather than the rule.
Col. E.J. Sanchis
Mumbai - Monday
27
February 2009
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