Mumbai : Former two-time Asian Snooker champions, Yasin Merchant came up with a virtuoso, match-winning display, which helpedKhar Gymkhana team KG ‘Avengers’ after trailing 0-2, snatch an exciting 3-2 victory, against Santacruz ‘Sunrisers’ in semi-final match of the Mumbai Snooker League (MSL) – 2015.
In the other semi-final, between Khar Gymkhana teams, the underdogs KG ‘Italian Stallions’ also came from a 0-2 deficit to overcome KG ‘Fanatics’ by a close 3-2 margin. Yasin and teammate Shivam Arora (+5), both suffered losses in the first two frames and Avengers were on the brink of elimination. However, their doubles pair, of teenagers Sparsh Pherwani and Harmehr Mago (+48) saved the day for Avengers with another confident and steady performance to humble the Santacruz combine ofKalpesh Mevada and Alpesh Dedhia (+43) by a 102-69 margin in the third frame and turn things around for the team.
Later, Arora ensured Avengers stayed in the fight with a win in the fourth frame against Pranav Desai . In the crucial decider, Yasin fought back against Vipul Shah. Yasin faced stiff challenge from Vipul.
But the master craftsman lived up to his status as a genius by potting his way to a win. Yasin grabbed the chance and potted the pink and the black to seal the win and trigger celebrations amongst his young teammates who jumped and screamed with joy.