Majid bullish on snooker world title chances

Cueist accompanies compatriots to U21 championship in UAE.


Our Correspondent May 09, 2014
Majid said he would not let pressure get the better of him in the mega event. PHOTO: FILE EXPRESS

KARACHI: After finishing as runner-up in the Asian U21 Snooker Championship, Mohammad Majid Ali is now aiming to become the world champion in the same age category, as the Pakistan team left for the UAE to participate in the IBSF World U21 Snooker Championship.

The event will be played in Al Fujairah – the same venue where the Asian Championship recently concluded – from May 10-18.

Majid, along with fellow cueists Mohammad Haris Nadeem and Mohammad Faheem, will be accompanied by manager Naweed Ahmad Sheikh. The fourth player in the team, Hamza Akbar, is already in Al Fujairah.

Majid is expecting a repetition of his previous commendable performance in the upcoming junior world championship, and is confident about his chances of capturing the title.

“I believe in my game; I’m targeting no less than the world title at the U21 event,” Majid told The Express Tribune.

“We gained good practice during the camp in Karachi, where we trained for hours to rectify our mistakes going into the tournament. Not many people would give us a chance to win but I’m focused on making it happen.”

The Faisalabad-based youngster stated that the training has helped him learn to keep his nerves in check and remain composed.

The 20-year-old added that the last two years have been good for Pakistan and the youngsters must continue the good show.

“The last two years have given Pakistan a lift; Asif became the world champion and then he helped Pakistan win the IBSF World Team Championship with Mohammad Sajjad. Now it’s our responsibility to continue the good run.”

Meanwhile, a Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association official said that the management is confident that both Majid and Hamza have a genuine chance to produce good results. He added that Fahim and Nadeem cannot be expected to deliver much as they are new entrants at the international level.

“Majid and Hamza have realistic chances of winning the tournament, or making it to the semi-finals at least,” said the official.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10th, 2014.

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COMMENTS (1)

ali | 9 years ago | Reply

Snooker is our new Squash. Good luck..

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