Shehram beats Yousuf; Wins Pakistan Ranking Snooker Title
Pakistan Times Sports Desk

ISLAMABAD: Giant-killer Shehram Changezi changed tactics in the final to dispose of former World champion Muhammad Yousuf 6-2 and capture the title of National Ranking Snooker Championship on Friday.

The hometown boy Changezi, 23, won his maiden national title though he was seeded last (16th) in a tournament held at newly-built Billiard and Snooker Hall of Pakistan Sports Complex with top 16 seeds of the country competing in the four-day event.

He downed Saleh Muhammad, the runners-up of 2003 World Championship in China, 6-5 in the semi-final on Thursday evening and less than 24 hours later made the final against 1994 World Amateur Champion Muhammad Yousuf almost a one-side affair.

He led four frames to none at one stage against veteran Muhammad Yousuf before eventually posting victory in the best-of-11 frames final by 56-32, 65-19, 88-38, 84-21, 15-65, 52-65, 82-27, 62, 42.

“I converted my tactics from attack to defence and that surprised Muhammad Yousuf who himself was resorting to defensive strategy. This change paved the way for my victory”, said Changezi who runs a snooker club in his native Rawalpindi.

“He played superbly, rarely missing pots”, said Sindh player Muhammad Yousuf, 56, who regained his Pakistan no.1 ranking by finishing runners up here though he was seed no.3 before the tournament.

“Changezi is no doubt brightest young player on the snooker horizon and the Pakistani people have high expectations of him in the international arena”, Yousuf said.

He, however, called for more financial sponsorships from the government and corporate sector for a game in which Pakistan has good talent.

The Peshawar-based Saleh Muhammad, the tournament no.6, also paid his compliments to Shehram. “He is best Potter of the snooker ball and has great potential”.

Saleh called for more proper coaching and grooming of the youngsters. “Juniors need to encouraged at an early age so that they can concentrate on polishing their game”.

Shehram also emphasised the need to identify and groom juniors in their early teens. “We must lap them up when they are young and ensure their proper grooming”, said Shehram who will probably be ranked either Pakistan no.3 or 4 after this championship.

“I look forward to doing well in Latif Masters tournament in Karachi next month and then try and gain a berth in the Pakistan squad for November’s World Cup” concluded the youngster who got the top prize of Rs. 50,000 in the Rs. 150,000 championship.

The Secretary Sports, Ismail Khan Niazi, who was the chief guest at the final, and Punjab Snooker and Billiards Association, which Shehram represented, also awarded prizes to the title winner.●