ISLAMABAD - Defending champion Naseem Akhtar retained his title for the consecutive second year after outclassing M Shahbaz 6-3 in the final of Jubilee Insurance 10th National Junior Under-21 Snooker Championship here at Billiards and Snooker Hall of the Pakistan Sports Complex Friday.
Both players of Punjab displayed a superb performance in the final, however, Naseem edged Shahbaz 6-3 (63-26, 107-17(74), 23-60, 60-17, 35-66, 51-64, 61-12, 59-05, 65-53).
IPC Minister Riaz Pirzada was the chief guest and distributed prizes amongst the players. Naseem grabbed prize money of Rs 50,000 while runner-up Shahbaz earned Rs 25,000. Naseem was also handed Rs 5,000 for making the highest break of 111.
The winner of National U-18 M Umer Khan of Punjab was awarded Rs 50,000 cash award while runner-up M Mudassir Sheikh got Rs 25,000. He was also given Rs 5,000 for the highest break of 65.
Speaking on the occasion, Pirzada said that the government is working hard for the promotion of sports in the country. “The Prime Minister himself is taking pragmatic steps for the betterment of sports,” he said.
Referring to the young talented snooker players, the minister said: “Exceptional players come to fore through underprivileged areas and I hope our young snooker players will make the country’s name proud at international level.”
Our Staff Reporter
