Pakistan gained a slim lead over hosts Iran in the Iran-Pakistan snooker series as the visitors led 46-45 on points after a tough opening day in Tehran on Thursday.
According to information made available yesterday, out of 63 frames played on the inaugural day, Pakistan, comprising Shahid Aftab, Mohammad Sajjad and Imran Shahzad, won 32 frames and lost 31 to take a the lead in the series.
The series is being played on a basis of points where a single frame win or a break of over 50 ensures a point for the player.
Cueists from both teams, on a shuffle basis, are playing three matches, comprising seven frames, daily.
On the opening day of the series, Pakistan cueists succeeded in scoring 50-point breaks on 13 occasions with Sajjad topping the list with a break of 93. Shahzad’s break of 88 was the second highest break scored by the visitors. However, Iran’s Hussain Vasaei scored the highest break of the day when he struck a break of 142 against Shahid.
Ali Roshanikya scored a break of 108 that remained the second highest break of the day as Iran registered over 12 breaks of 50-plus.
Despite the slim lead, Pakistan manager Shahzad Riaz termed the opening day tough and exciting.
“It was a tough and thrilling day for both teams,” Riaz told The Express Tribune from Tehran. “Both teams are not showing leniency and giving their best to win the series.”
He said the home cueists were confident to beat and Pakistan would have to continue the hard work to win the series.
“Iran have good cueists and they are giving a tough time to us. So far we have performed well but we will have to continue the momentum to win the series.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 2nd, 2011.
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