Sirisoma takes early lead
Sri Lanka Army’s Mohamed Mubeen, one of the hot contenders to challenge reigning Billiards champion K.H. Sirisoma in action. Pic by Susantha Liyanawatte
Title holder K.H. Sirisoma of Sri Lanka Ports Authority warmed up with two comprehensive wins in the round robin stage of the 61st National Billiards Championship played at the Sugathadasa Sports Hotel yesterday. Sirisoma who has won the national championship in billiards at 21 occasions will be vying for his 22nd title this year. Sirisoma recorded 3-0 wins against M. Ekanayake of Kandy and N.M. Jiffrey of Galle while recording a break of 57 points against the latter, in matches played on points.
Top seed player Prasanna Pushpakumara of YMBA too impressed with two wins yesterday to keep his hopes alive of reaching the finals. Pushpakumara was given a tough challenge by Roushan Ali of MICH whom he beat by 3-2. But in his second match of the day Pushpakumara eased with a 3-0 win against M.C. Martis.
One of the top contenders, Mohamed Mubeen of Sri Lanka Army had very little trouble in beating Ameer Mukthar of Moors SC by 3-0. Moors’ Manoor Jhan faced stiff challenge before recording a 3-2 win against N.M. Jiffrey who suffered his second defeat of the day.
The round robin stage of the 61st National Billiards Championship will continue until Tuesday at the same venue before it is pruned down to 24 players from a total of 32 who are set to face the knockout stage. The draw and dates for the knockout stage will be decided by the tournament officials son after the completion of the round robins.
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