Yasin Merchant downs Aditya Mehta to win title

Chennai: Former Asian Champion Yasin Merchant touched his peak to thrash statemate Aditya Mehta 6-1 to clinch the title in the Alumni Club All-India Invitational Snooker Tournament here today. Bringing back memories of his artistry and capabilities to outclass his rivals, the 43-year-old Mumbaikar got into his elements right from the word go. Veteran Merchant taught a few lessons to his 24-year-old younger mate, who most often remained an onlooker during the match. Merchant was richer by Rs one lakh, while Mehta received Rs 50,000 for finishing runner-up. After winning, Merchant said, "Aditya is the sort of player who if given freedom, will run away with the match. So, I had to keep it tight. He did not play well today, but if he was in top form, then I am sure he would have come out on top." Mehta admitted that he did not play to his potential. "I was nowhere near my best today and committed far too many mistakes. It is not that Yasin played especially well, but whatever he did, he made it count. I think, he deserved to win today," Mehta said. However, Mehta acquitted well in almost every frame leading with slender margin but Merchant displayed his wares as he pocketed the colours at will weaving his way for achieving winning breaks. Throughout the seven frame match, there were only two big breaks of 50 plus -- 55 by Merchant in the second frame and 54 by Mehta in the sixth ? mainly due to safety play adopted by the rivals. Another veteran Geet Sethi bagged the prize money for highest break of 96, which he notched up earlier in the tournament. Result (final): Yasin Merchant (Mah) bt Aditya Mehta (PSPB) 6-1 (86-51, 55-20,73-40, 59-39, 75-34, 01-84, 54-17). PTI