Rafath scores two wins, overshadows Merchant's show

Mumbai, May 14 (UNI) Rafath Habib of Railways enjoyed a rewarding day with two wins that overshadowed Yasin Merchant's fluent start, in the Rexello Castors-Islam Gymkhana Open Handicap&Invitation Snooker Tournament at the Islam Gymkhana today.

Habib, an Asian Games doubles gold medallist, who kicked off his campaign in the competition, first accounted for Chandu Shah and later overcame qualifier Rishabh Kumar (+14) by identical 3-0 margins in Group 'D'.

Habib's effort took away the spotlight from twice Asian champion Yasin Merchant who sent Haji Usman crashing to his fourth consecutive defeat in Group 'A'.

Merchant, who has just qualified for the Asian Snooker Championship, kicked off his campaign as he demolished Usman 75-6, 72-9, 56-9 in 25 minutes.

Kaizad Fitter (+14) rallied to his first win in three ties in Group 'C' as he beat Kamal Chawla of Railways 27-71, 21-93, 110-26, 59-51, 89-32 in a thriller, after dropping the opening two frames.

Results: Group 'A': Yasin Merchant bt Haji Usman 75-6, 72-9, 56-9; Shravan Mohta bt Rishabh Pandya 63-58, 19-49, 67-17, 69-43.

Group 'C': Kaizad Fitter (+14) bt Kamal Chawla 27-71, 21-93, 110-26, 59-51, 89-32; Kamal Chawla bt Sahil Khan 74-20, 72-20, 57-17 Group 'D': Rafath Habib bt Chandu Shah 64-50, 61-36, 65-3; Rafath Habib bt Rishabh Kumar (+14) 66-59, 73-22, 57-31.

UNI