India claim silver after final defeat to Pakistan in Asian Team Snooker Championship

India went down 2-3 against Pakistan 1 in a closely-contested final to settle for the silver at the Asian Team Snooker Championship in Doha on Saturday.

It was once again a disappointment for Pankaj Advani, who after losing in the opening contest against Pakistan 2 in the semi-finals yesterday, once again faced defeat against Babar Masih. The latter securing an 81 break to win the first frame.

Malkeet Singh, however, brought India into the contest with a 52 break win over Mohammad Asif. Malkeet had similarly levelled the scores for India in the semis before winning the crunch must-win tie to seal the victory.

Also Read: India beat Pakistan 2 to enter Asian Team Snooker championship final

Pakistan though were unstoppable and soon snatched a lead by winning the doubles. Asif was once again the star as he pulled back a 62-point deficit which allowed partner Masih to apply the finishing touches in a nail-biting 70-72 finish.

Pankaj pulled one back with a 68 point break. It was then left to Malkeet to display his heroics once again after the comeback win from the grasp of defeat in the semis.

He, however, failed to deliver this time going down rather cheaply with an 18-98 points defeat.

Final Results:

Pankaj Advani lost to Babar Masih 2-110(81)

Malkeet Singh defeated Muhammad Asif 81(52)-47

Doubles Pakistan beat India 70-72

Pankaj Advani beat Muhammad Asif 107(68)-5

Malkeet Singh lost to Babar Masih 18-98. (Pakistan 1 beat India 3-2)