Yasin in line for third Asian snooker title

Lahore, June 17 (UNI) Two-time champion Yasin Merchant is in line for another title and a ticket to represent Asia against Europe in a snooker series in Hong Kong next month following his come-from-behind-victory over local hope Khurram Agha in the semi-finals of the 23rd Asian Snooker Championship in Karachi.

Yasin came back from 2-3 down to turn the tables on Pakistan's Khurram Agha 6-4 to set up a summit clash against Supoj Saenia of Thailand. The Indian was home 72-6, 76-5, 0-95, 15-53, 34-52, 71-38, 55-2, 66-60, 48-57, 74-38.

Saenia ended the winning streak of 2005 Asian champion Jin Long of China 6-1 (50-34, 88-20, 55-63, 72-47, 31-16, 63-5, 113-7) in the other semi-final.

The best-of-13 frames final will pocket 2500 dollar while the runners-up will receive 1200 dollar. The third place finisher will earn 600 doller with 300 dollar going to the fourth placed cueist.

In addition, the performer of highest break will pocket 100 dollar.

Yasin or Saenia will join three other Asian stars to take on a European team in a snooker series planned in the middle of next month, being held to mark the tenth anniversary of Hong Kong's independence from Britain.

China's Busan Asian Games gold medallist Ding Jin Hue who is ranked in top 10 in the world will spearhead Asia.

The two other members already selected are James Wattana (Thailand) and Marco Fu (Hong Kong).

Four past world champions will represent Europe in the series.

UNI