Abu Dhabi’s Shehab irresistible

Shehab completed a hat-trick of national titles following a 4-2 victory over Abdul Rahman Saif in the Rosy Blue UAE Snooker Ranking Circuit’s third event final at the Dubai Snooker Club in Karama on Saturday night to become the runaway numero uno in here.

Shehab, who had captured the first two events in February and March, dashed the dreams of the young Saif to exact a revenge for his 4-0 loss in the title showdown of the season opener, a media release said.

However, the game was no joyride for the top-ranked cueist in the UAE, Shehab, on Saturday night.

The start of the match saw both Shehab and Saif left frustrated as some spectacular pots resulted in the two being bruised by penalty points with the cue ball rolling into pockets for in-off foul calls.

The mishaps made it clear that whatever the upshot, the element of luck would not be holding the sway.

As the match progressed, the two finalists found the balls being trapped in awkward positions and close to the cushions, making the task of scoring points a onerous effort.

After Saif had captured the first frame, Shehab hit back to grab three in a row and gain a 3-1 lead.

Saif clawed his way back in the by the capturing the fifth, but Shehab ensured he took home the trophy home by bagging the sixth frame.

Shehab said: “I didn’t expect such a tough fight from Saif, but he is now a much improved player than he was in February when we played in the final. This shows that things are getting tougher and young players are coming up.”

Saif said: “I am happy with the way I played, especially after losing out in the early rounds in the second event. It turned out to be a battle of safeties and Shehab was the better player today. I lack experience in dealing with such situations.”

After the conclusion of three tournaments, Shehab has gained a massive 126 points to be placed No. 1 in the national rankings, with Saif in the No. 2 spot with 68 points.

Dubai ace Mohammed Al Joaker (54 points) is No. 3, Mohammed Hussain and Saif Al Kitbi have 52 points each and are No. 4. and 5, with Khalid Kamali in the sixth place with 45 points.

The fourth ranking tournament of the season will get underway on June 16 at the same venue.