Subrat blasts Haque for senior billiards crown

The hard work and dedication of Subrat Das finally delivered the desired success as he won the title in the 15th Orissa State Billiards Championship at Cuesport Academy in Bhubaneswar today. In the summit clash, which proved to be one-sided affair, second seed Das decimated a highly experienced Ahsan-ul Haque of Nalco by 3-0 frames. Despite playing only one match before the final, Das was on song from the word go and never allowed Haque to take control of the proceedings. It was the first senior billiards title for Das, who deserved it thoroughly. ‘‘Subrat stays in Kolkata but often comes to home state to play matches and help organise tournaments. He also encourages youngsters take to cuesports. Under his guidance teenagers have started winning titles as well. Subrat is no doubt a dedicated cuists,’’ complimented Cuesport Academy president Premanshu Sekhar Patnaik. Earlier in the second semifinal on Saturday night, Das faced stiff fight against third seed Amit Lath before winning by 3-2 frames. Lath finished third by defeating last year’s champion Kunal Agarwal 3-2 in the play-off match. Results: Semifinals: Subrat Das bt Amit Lath 3-2 (151-100, 125-150, 111-151, 150-109, 150-116). Final: Subrat Das bt Ahsan-ul Haque 3-0 (151-140, 151-118, 151-131). Third place: Amit Lath bt Kunal Agarwal 3-2 (151-137, 103-150, 150-125, 115-150, 150-136). Photo: Subrat Das in action at the final match of the State Senior Billiards Championship in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.