Uttar Pradesh State Ranking Billiards & Snooker Tournament 2008

20 August 2008 - Meerut

by I.S. Malik - Media Coordinator

What a better way to start other than upsetting the champion in any sport. The bearded cueist from Moradabad, Mohammad Naeem playing in a steady and methodical manner toppled the Defending State billiards champion, Raghoo Sinha from Allahabad in a Group " A " match of the billiards event by 208 - 186 points in a one hour league tie of the B L Memorial State ranking billiards & snooker tournament at the Alexander Athletic Club on Wednesday afternoon.

Displaying confidence and fluency in his strokes especially his potting and in-offs, Naeem went ahead right from the start to take an early grip on the match, a grip which he did not loosen upto the end even as Raghoo was just not able to get into his usual rhythm.

Another cueist from Moradabad, Ravi Kapoor cockled the heart of his Mentor, Naeem when he recorded a close 184-171 points victory over Prateek Gopal Sharma of the hosts in a Group " C " match which could have swung either way till the last. With both the cueists coming from the ranks of snooker it was just a test of patience between two youngsters in which the Hotelier from Moradabad triumphed eventually.

Veteran Cueist of the hosts, Rajan Gupta proved too strong for the newcomer from Allahabad, Navish chalking up a 260 -122 points in another one sided tie of the Group " D ". Rajan was immaculate in his in-off making specially the " long losers " which are the very backbone of the three balls game on the green baize. Navish could only stand and admire.

The Lucknow champion, Anuj Bhargava was bang on target using the advantage of his strong potting to score a fine victory over the Aligarh champion, Manish Behl by 201-135 points in a Group " B "  game where both players relied on potting as both are basicaly snooker players
Anuj whse manner was very poised in play was never in any trouble whatsoever in the one hour encounter as he kept up the pressure by collecting point on point with consistency.

Earlier, the Honorary Secretary of the UP Billiards & Snooker Association, Mr. I.S. Malik and the Tournament Director of the event, Mr. Anand Arora outlined the features of the five day affair and gave an insight into the participants.