World Snooker: Imran outwits Toba to enter last-16

Pakistan number one wins 5-2 to progress in Bangalore.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s top-ranking cueist Imran Shahzad entered the pre-quarterfinals of the World Snooker Championship after defeating compatriot Mohammad Asif Toba 5-2 in the last-32 clash.

The duo was unfortunate to meet in the second of the knockout rounds after going through their respective groups winning three out of four matches. Imran, who had defeated Toba several times in their local clashes, exploited the psychological advantage to overcome his compatriot in the best-of-nine-frames match.

Shahzad had earlier outclassed Joris Maas of the Netherlands 4-1 in the last-48 and was involved in a late match against Lee Walker of Wales in the pre-quarterfinals.

The ‘weak link’ fires warnings

Prior to the event, Toba was termed the ‘weak link’ by Shahzad but he proved his critics wrong with a commendable performance in Bangalore before bowing out of the global competition. He finished top of group M with three wins after registering a couple of upsets.

Toba caused the biggest upset of the event when he overcame Englishman Michael Wild 4-2. In the other group match, he defeated Australia’s Vinnie Calabrese 4-1.

Toba also ended with the second highest break of the tournament with his 137-point break against Calabrese. Afghanistan’s Saleh Mohammad struck a 141-point break, the highest of the tournament so far.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 2^nd, 2011.