10 February 2013: Alok Kumar becomes National Billiards Champion; Keerath lifted Junior Billiards trophy

Former Asian Billiards champion, Alok Kumar (PSPB) yesterday added another feather in his cap by lifting fifth national billiards title of his career. He defeated B. Bhaskar (Karnataka) in the decider game of best of 9 format Billiards final of Manisha National Billiards & Snooker Championship 2013 being held at Gymnasium Hall of Jiwaji University, Gwalior (Org. by Gwalior District Billiards and Snooker Association). This is Alok’s fifth national title in Billiards category.

Yesterday the final began at 4:30 PM and Bhaskar managed to pocket the opening frame scoring 150-82. After that Alok had two consecutive breaks of 99 and 101 points to gain 2-1 lead. Fourth game could be a decisive one in favour of Alok but he missed that on 143 points and given a chance that Bhaskar utilized and leveled the match 2-all. Next game again alok pocketed 150-125.

After that every game had good breaks and both the finalists kept winning alternate games. In the decider game, Alok scored a break of 100 points to seal the game 150-43 and claimed his fifth national billiards title.

Delighted Alok thanked everybody for holding such a wonderful national. He conveyed personal thanks to Organizing team and the table fitter for assembling quality tables.

Today the Junior Girls event started and had billiards event first. In the billiards, Keerath Bhandaal become the champion defeating Varsha Sanjeev by mere 9 points (score 127-118)

Prior to this, Keerath survived in the semi final match only by 2 points in the last moments of the play. She defeated Amee Kamani (MP) 115-113. In the other semi final, Varsha outplayed Sania Arif (Chandigarh) 115-97.

In Junior Girls snooker, Varsha Sanjeev (Karnataka) is playing first semi final against Sania Arif (Chandigarh) and Keerath Bhandaal (Delhi) is against Amee Kamani(MP)

In Senior Snooker Qualifying for 23 slots Nitesh Madan (Delhi), Peter Paul (Tamil Nadu), Pushpinder Singh (Railways), Vikas Chaudhary (Delhi), S. Dilip Kumar (Railways), Altamash Saifi (Delhi) have already qualified. Remaining matches are still on.

Nitesh Madan of Delhi displayed brilliant potting skills and knocked-out fancied R. Girish of Railways 3-1. Nitesh was down by 60 points in the first game and pulled the frame demonstrating brilliant game.