Veteran Tony Monteiro scares junior Shravan Mohta

Mumbai, May 11 (UNI) Upcoming junior Shravan Mohta survived a scare from veteran Tony Monteiro, in the Rexello Castors-Islam Gymkhana Open Handicap&Invitation Snooker Tournament 2007 at the Islam Gymkhana here today.

As the elite Invitation league commenced, Mohta and septuagenarian Monteiro gave it an explosive start before Mohta escaped to a 63-54, 39-50, 57-78, 68-19, 58-40 win in a thrilling best-of-five frames Group 'A' opener.

Monteiro ignored the loss of the opening frame to take a surprise lead by clinching the second and third before losing his way.

India star Ashok Shandilya got off to a winning start from Group 'C' when he beat Islam Gymkhana's Sahil Khan 93-0, 67-36, 108-0.

Shandilya's effort included significant breaks of 69 in the opening frame and 73 in the third.

Results: Group 'A': Shravan Mohta bt Tony Monteiro 63-54, 39-50, 57-78, 68-19, 58-40.

Group 'C': Ashok Shandilya bt Sahil Khan 93(69)-0, 67-36, 108(73)-0.

Group 'D': Rishabh Kumar (+14) bt Chandu Shah (scr) 59-38, 57-30, 56-28.

UNI