Shaikh stuns Ottam in Handicap

Mumbai, May 3 (UNI) Little-known Sawad Shaikh stunned 2005 runner-up Nikhil Ottam 2-1 for the biggest upset of the day, in the Rexello Castors-Islam Gymkhana Open Handicap&Invitation Snooker Tournament 2007, at the Islam Gymkhana today.

Playing with a handicap of +60 in the best-of-three frames contest, Shaikh overcame Ottam 101-60, 74-121, 107-84 in a thrilling second round contest.

In another upset, Chetan Chabbria of Haryana (+50) shocked formidable Faizal Khan (+25) of Delhi 120-85, 92-73.

Fancied Neil Vithlani (+30) was taken the distance by Nishant Chowgule (+55) before snatching an exciting 54-97, 110-65, 98-96 that ended in a pink-black finish.

2nd Rd: Neil Vithlani (+30) bt Nishant Chowgule (+55) 54-97, 110-65, 98-96; Harish Pahuja (+55) bt J Dhengra (+55) 111-91, 107-82; Zubin Vazifdar (+50) bt Khaim Talib (+60) 111-71 95-86; D.

Ghangvani (+60) bt Vivek Shah (+55) 142-56, 106-86; Sawad Shaikh (+60) bt Nikhil Ootam (+20) 101-60, 74-121, 107-84; Ramesh Sadarangani (+50) bt S. Shirodkar (+60) 117-71, 115-80; Chetan Chabbria (Har, +50) bt Faizal Khan (Del, +25) 120-85, 92-73.

UNI