Concluded

Fisher emerges Otters 9-Ball Pool champ

Former women’s world No. 1 Kelly Fisher of England rallied from a 3-9 deficit to overcome former national champion Alok Kumar of PSPB 15-12 to help herself to the title, in the Otters Club All India 9-Ball Pool Tournament.

Fisher received the winner’s trophy from Otters Club president Mustafa Arsiwala and a cheque of 2.25 lakh, while runner-up Kumar received Rs. 1.5 lakh.

Following a neck-and-neck battle at the start of a marathon three-and-a-half hour absorbing championship round, the seasoned Kumar romped to the envious advantage while making the most of some rare blemishes by Fisher including a missed long red (3) that rattled the jaw in the seventh rack and a foul in the eighth.

Fisher’s reputation meant little to a confident Kumar right through the race-to-15 contest. The Indian’s complete hold with a ‘golden break’ in the 11th rack and a brilliant clearance in the next raised hopes of an upset over his much accomplished opponent, currently ranked No. 8 in the world.

Then Fisher grabbed the opportunity in the 13th rack, when Kumar missed the brown (7), to initiate a sensational comeback with impressive safety play, positioning and delightful clearances.

“Had it been 10-3 (instead of 4-9) the story could have been different,” Kumar believed. Fisher set the stage for a humdinger when she drew level at 11-all that included the shot of the day, a ‘jump’ shot to pot the red, in the 21st rack before racing to 14-11 that brought much relief to the former WPA world champion.

“Even with just a rack away from victory, I couldn’t relax (at 14-11),” reasoned Fisher. “Anything can happen in pool. I felt good and all I wanted to do was play well. All I wanted was the final to be a good match that would entertain and make it exciting for the spectators. I am relieved to win.”

Result: Final: Kelly Fisher (Eng) bt Alok Kumar (PSPB) 15-12.