Historic double for Alok

Indian first cueist to win Asian snooker, billiards titles

Reigning National billiards champion Alok, who last month became the first person in the country to capture all National titles when he won the 8-ball pool title in Ludhiana, also became the first cueist to win both the Asian snooker and billiards crowns after scoring a lop-sided (101(93)-2, 101(84)-2, 100(85)-6, 100(40)-72, 101(73)-18, 101(76)-57).

Alok had won the Asian snooker title in 2004 at Jordan, defeating compatriot Pankaj Advani.
In the best of 11 games 100up format summit clash, Alok, from the beginning, showed a great deal of grit and determination in his first visit to the table, compiling a break of 93 to go 1-0 ahead.

Seemingly in command, Alok rattled his opponent with brilliant strokeplay, conjuring breaks
of 84 and 85 in the second and third games respectively to open up 3-0 lead in just 25 minutes.

One of the best all-round cueists in the country, Alok once again showed his versatility in the fourth game, prevailing over his opponent with his tactical brilliance.

Alok showed his fighting skills too, staging a wonderful recovery to clinch the fifth before posting a break of 73 to seal the sixth and the title for another historic victory this season.

Alok had been impressive right throughtout the tournament, ousting Advani in the quarterfinal and dismantling another World champion Peter Gilchrist of Singapore in the semifinals.