CHANDIGARH, June 10: Defending champion Anil Sharma began his campaign with a bang in the YMCA Open billards and snooker tournament which commenced at YMCA hall today. In the snooker event Anil beat Pradeep in straight sets 60-58, 53-31.Pradeep, who comfotably got past R C Sharma 60-40, 50-40 in the open event and beat Shashi Karan 54-30, 63-38 in the handicap event, was not able to maintained the tempo in the match against Anil. He lost the first frame to the title holder by a wafer thin margin (58-60) but was not able to concentrate as the match progressed and lost his grip over and the contest to Anil.
On the other hand Anil took time to settle down and hit a break of 22 points in the second frame to win the contest.
In another match Ricky outplayed BK Arora 46-23, 57-17 and B Khurana prevailed over Bahadur 52-30, 51-43.
In the handicap snooker, Amit Swamy beat RC Sharma 45-34, 80-35.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
