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India lose to Malaysia in Emirates snooker

Despite a brilliant performance by former Asian champion Yasin Merchant, India went down 1-4 to Malaysia in the Emirates International Snooker championship in Dubai last night.

The sharpness of the Malaysian team, which had an easy opening match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), made all the difference in the match.

Sam Chong started the ball rolling with an effortless 4-0 win against Dharminder Dilly. Malaysia looked to be coasting to a 2-0 lead when Ng Ann Seng rocketed 3-0 ahead of Siddharth Rao with brilliant runs of 52, 91 and 58. But the former Indian national champion grimly hung on to level 3-3 and with a snooker on the yellow in the decider, seemed poised to take the match. However, a fluked pot off the snooker saw Ann Seng safely home.

Patrick Ooi was the more consistent against Sarang Shroff, taking two consecutive frames to romp home from 2-2.

With the match decided in favour of Malaysia, Yasin Merchant gained a consolation 4-3 win over Ooi Chin Kay before current Indian national national champion Ashok Shandilya bowed out 3-4 to Lim Soon Tut. India will now take on Egypt.

In another match, Pakistan beat Thailand 3-2.

UNI