Chitra pats mystery coach

Chitra Magimairaj, who fulfilled her dream of winning a National snooker title last month, said the success has spurred her to aim for glory in this year’s World Championship.

“Having been in this sport for more than a decade, winning a national title was my ultimate aim, although I have succeeded at the world level,” said Chitra on the sidelines of a felicitation function organised by the KSBA here on Wednesday to honour cueists from Karnataka who triumphed in the just-concluded National Championships.

“Every time, I would fail either at the quarterfinal or the semifinal stage. Call it pressure, nerves or poor mental strength -- it all played on my mind. Although I knew what I had to do, I just couldn’t execute it. It kept bothering me a lot and that only made things worse for me. I am really delighted to have finally crossed the hurdle successfully. This confidence booster is what I needed; my next goal is the IBSF World Snooker Championship later this year.”

Asked what she did different this time, the 39-year-old attributed it to a new coach. “I’ve started to work under a new coach whose identify I would like to keep a secret for now. My entire approach to the game has changed after I starting working with the new coach. I’m slowly beginning to realise my potential and I hope to annex more titles in time to come.”

While Chitra was awarded Rs 20,000, teenage sensation Varsha Sanjeev took home Rs 30,000 for capturing three titles -- Sub-junior billiards and snooker and Junior snooker. PSPB’s Pankaj Advani, who won retained the National billiards title, and losing finalist B Bhaskar were felicitated with a bouquet each.

“I am gunning for six titles next time,” said an exuberant Varsha. “I want to end my Sub-junior career on a high and nothing would please me more than winning the senior crowns.”