Merchant to clash with Damani in finals

Pune, May 9 (UNI) Asian Bronze medallist Yasin Merchant set up a title clash against upcoming Kolkata cueist Brijesh Damani in the the second Poona Club Limited (PCL)-Manisha Invitational Snooker Championship here today.

Earlier in the open finals played late last night, Central Railway's Mumbai cueist Neeraj Kumar brushed aside the challenge of Delhi'cueist Sandeep Gulati by 4 frames to 2 at 38-57, 59-33, 63-29, 43-58, 76-58, 58-57 to lift the title.

Kumar, who had a splendid run in both the events, proved superior in potting and came for the colours well but big breaks eluded him.

Gulati came into his own rather late as he fought a last minute ditched battle in the sixth frame but suffered a reverse by a slender one point.

Neerj pocketed a rich winners prize money of Rs 15000,while runner up Gulati had to rest content with Rs 8000 for his efforts.

Yasin Merchant continued his tremendous run in the tournament with big breaks as he edged out Rupesh Shah 55-59, 7-72(35), 76-22, 83(34)-26, 90-2, 39-48, 17-86, 72-30, 126(126)-16 in a tough four hour battle, the crowds watching the match were enthralled when Merchant struck a record break of 126 in the final frame and sealed the rivals fate.

Merchant will take on Brijesh Damani, who went through a harrowing time before overcoming bespectacled city mate Sourav Kothari by 5 frames to 4 in another four and a half hour thriller. Damani won 55-76, 61-37, 72(49)-4, 72-27, 36-46, 69-42, 20-71, 2-68, 82-46 to make it to his maiden finals in the senior circuit.

Following are the results: Semi- Final Round:(Brackets denotes breaks) Brijesh Damani bt Sourav Kothari 5-4 (55-76, 61-37, 72(49)-4, 72-27, 36-46, 69-42, 20-71, 2-68, 82-46), Yasin Merchant bt Rupesh Shah 5-4 (55-59, 7-72(35), 76-22, 83(34)-26, 90-2, 39-48, 17-86, 72-30, 126(126)-16).

Open Snooker Final: Neeraj Kumar bt Sandeep Gulati 4-2 (38-57, 59-33, 63-29, 43-58, 76-58, 58-57).

UNI