Suresh Mahadik of Goregaon Sports Club and Rajesh Mayavashi of Malabar Hill Club recorded contrasting victories to set up a clash in the final of the Bathija-P.J. Hindu Gymkhana Open Makers 6-Red Snooker Tournament, conducted under the auspices of BSAM and played at the Hindu Gymkhana billiards room.
The Goregaon SC cueist Mahadik potted steadily and with a calculated approach quashed the challenge from Radio Club’s Chinmay Gawde by charging to a quick 4-0 (34-10, 44-25, 50-33 and 29-12) victory in the in the best-of-7-frame semi-final match.
On the side table, a determined Mayavashi produced a gallant fighting performance as he rallied from the brink of defeat to clinch a stunning victory against the fancied Ajinkya Yelve (NSCI) in the second semi-final which went the distance.
The articulate Yelve started with a flourish and with consistent pots won the first three frames to sit pretty with a 3-0 lead. Buy, Mayavashi seemed unperturbed as he gradually found his touch and range of shots and neatly compiled a break of 30 in winning the fourth frame, which proved to be the turning point.
Mayavashi having finally managed to win a frame, started to play with more confidence and he went on to pocket the next two frames to level the match scores at 3-all and take the contest to the seventh frame. In the deciding frame, Mayavashi maintained the momentum as he boldly went for his shots while Yelve who was quite shaken, missed some easy pots and lost the frame and the match. Mayavashi brilliant fight back earned him a deserving 4-3 (2-46, 12-44, 21-46, 44-25, 38-17, 39-30 and 34-19) victory and a clash with Mahadik in the final.
Results – Semi-finals: Suresh Mahadik (GSC) bt Chinmay Gawde (Radio) 4-0 (34-10, 44-25, 50-33, 29-12);
Rajesh Mayavashi (MHCL) bt Ajinkya Yelve (NSCI) 4-3 (2-46, 12-44, 21-46, 44(30)-25, 38-17, 39-30, 34-19).