|
Macau Asian Indoor Games: Shehab Wins Historic Gold
 Images |
|
|
By
Hanif Hassan, ACBS Media
Tuesday,
30 October, 2007
The hugging and kissing went on seemingly for eternity as Mustafa Shehab of the UAE made history by capturing the snooker singles gold medal at the 2007 Macau Asian Indoor Games on Monday.
The talented Emirati became the first Arab to win a snooker event at the Asian level when he scored a memorable 4-3 victory over legendary Ratchapol Pu-Ob-Orm, a former world amateur and Asian champion.
And it was performance par excellence that won Shehab the gold, which is now expected to bring a promotional windfall for snooker in Middle East.
Ratchapol, better known as James Wattana, had always been in front in the final, but Shehab, undaunted by the illustrious reputation of his rival, never gave in and clawed his way back into contention on every occasion.
Shehab was in a wonderful touch when he stole the last two frames of the final to clamber on board the winner's podium.
Ratchapol had the opportunities to win the top honours in what in all probability was last singles appearance in a major multisport event, but the killer instinct that he is known for was astonishingly missing on Monday.
The Thai star still has a chance of to make some amends in the team competition which starts on Tuesday. Ratchapol's last appearance in such an event was way in the 1998 Bangkok Asian when he had failed to win any gold.
The third-place went to China's Xiao Guodong, who had lost his semifinal clash to Shehab 4-3. The young Chinese defeated experienced compatriot Jin Long 4-2 in the bronze medal playoff.
Earlier on Sunday night, Thai player Santhinee Jaisuekul's giant-killing run came to an end when it mattered the most as she was edged 7-6 in the final by Tsai Pei Chen, who came from three racks behind to capture the first gold of the cue sports events.
Picture: James Wattana, Mohammed Shehab & Xiao Guodong
| 
