Saleh not happy with showing in Asian Snooker

KARACHI  - Pakistan's ace cueist Saleh Muhammad said on Monday that he was absolutely delighted with his historic 147 break but was disappointed with his overall performance in 24th Asian Snooker Championship in Dubai. "Winning the title and reaching the final would have been more satisfying for me then first-ever 147 break in Asian championship," he told in an interview on his return from United Arab Emirates. "Luck have always eluded me whether its world championship in China or Asian competition elsewhere," he said in a dejected voice. Saleh Muhammad, who received great compliments and congratulations from every cueist playing in Asian said winning the title, is altogether different. The 35-year-old Saleh after making a break in the morning session suffered a blow in the pre-quarter-final round receiving a 0-5 hammering from former World Amateur Champion Pankaj Advani. Pakistan's other two cueists Khurram Agha and Muhammad Sajjad Rana fought hard before going down in the quarter-final against eventual finalist Jin Long and Aditya Mehta. Saleh Muhammad, however, praised new Pakistan coach Bilal Mughal for his hard work and passion for almost 15-days with the team. "He (Bilal) has given us some very valuable tips during the training camp during the championship," he said. Saleh believed that had Bilal Mughal been with the Pakistan team in the past they would have definitely achieved something big in the past. Commenting on National Champion Muhammad Sajjad's performance, Saleh said Sargodha youngster has great future ahead of him and more international exposure can make him future start if he keeps working hard. He expressed the hope that forthcoming International Ranking Tournament in Thailand will be help him to further improve his game by playing alongwith the best in Asia.

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