by ARMSTRONG VAs
Doha: Reigning world champion Muhammad Asif of Pakistan and India’s promising player Laxman Singh Rawat will clash in the semi-finals of the Second 6-Red Asian Snooker Championship at Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall here today morning.
Yesterday, Asif defeated compatriot Muhammad Sajjad in the quarter-final clash, while Rawat overcame the challenge of Yuttapop Pakpoj of Thailand to set up an exciting India vs Pakistan clash.
Also qualifying for the last four stage were Amir Sarkhosh of Iran and Mohammad Al Joakar of UAE, in the Asian Confederation of Billiard and Snooker Sports (ACBSS) sanctioned event, hosted by Qatar for the first time.
Al Joakar shattered Qatar’s Ali Obaidly’s hopes of qualifying for the semi-final. The experienced campaigner from UAE kept his cool in crucial moments to pocket a fighting 6-4 win over Ali.
India’s Rawat seemed to be on fire and no one could stop him yesterday. The 21-year-old stunned recently crowned Asian champion Mohammed Saleh in the pre-quarter-finals to pull one of the biggest upsets at the seven-day Championship.
Rawat won 5-3 against the 40-year-old experienced campaigner from Afghanistan.
Earlier in the morning session, in an all-India clash Rawat defeated current Indian national champion Shivam Arora 5-0. In the quarter-final Rawat continued his good run of form to defeat Pakpoj 6-2.
For Rawat, this is his first semi-final of a major championship.
“This is a dream run for me, I have never played so good in my short career,” said the Indian player. Asif said the last four clash with Rawat will keep the fans on their toes. “It should be an interesting encounter. Fans will be able to get a number of thrills through out the match,” said Asif.
The Peninsula
