MB’s Shooters beat Race for Gold 3-1 to clinch the title at the inaugural Videocon Billiards Premier League, played at the Bombay Gymkhana, on Tuesday. The champions earned the winner’s purse of Rs. 1.25 lakh, the second-placed side got Rs 90,000 in the event organised by the Billiards & Snooker Association of Maharashtra.
In the best-of-five championship round, Vishal Madan stunned Devendra Joshi, former Asian champion and World Team Billiards gold medallist 100-94 in the first singles match. Race for Gold drew level in the doubles — Marzban Ambroliwala and Rovin D’Souza sneaking past Mehernosh Billimoria and Shekhar Krishnan.
Amit Sapru won easily 100-28 over Rohan Jambusaria. Dhruv Sitwala, two-time World Billiards runner-up and World Team Championship silver medallist, won the fourth singles match against Ronnie Daruwala 100-59.
Race for Gold captain Joshi said: “I believe the verdict was out when I lost the opening tie itself. Ronnie had his chances and needed a big break. Playing under pressure and against Dhruv is a difficult task.”
Sitwala remarked: “Initially we were tied at 65-all and the game was in Ronnie’s favour at one stage. I relied on consistent breaks of 50 to close in towards my target. Apart from me, Vishal and Amit also made a big contribution towards our success.”
Final scores: MB’s Shooters bt Race for Gold 3-1 (Vishal Madan bt Devendra Joshi 100-94; Mehernosh Billimoria/Shekhar Krishnan lost to Marzban Ambroliwala/Rovin D’Souza 91-100; Amit Sapru bt Rohan Jambusaria 100-28; Dhruv Sitwala bt Ronnie Daruwala 100 (87,60) - 59).
