Defeat in UAE snooker final no laughing matter for Al Joaker

Mohamed Shehab won his second title in as many months when he whitewashed Mohammed Al Joaker in the ENOC UAE Snooker Ranking Circuit's second event final at Dubai Snooker Club on Sunday evening.

Al Joaker had plenty of opportunities during the final, but he could not capitalise on them and made things easier for Shehab who won the match 4-0 to retain top place in the rankings.

"I expected a tough battle," Shehab said. "It was there for everyone to see that he was under tremendous amount of pressure. We both missed but I was still able to pot the crucial balls in all frames.

"I wasn't at my best in my first match and went back to the drawing board. I decided to alter my style a bit and it paid off. I have been able to score frame winning breaks whenever a chance came my way and it is really important for me."

Al Joaker drew some comfort from the fact his run tot he final moved him back to No 2 in the rankings.

"Coming into the final I had two very tough games," Al Joaker said. "In fact, those matches weren't made tough by my opponents but by myself. I had lost in the quarter-finals of the first event and that put me under a lot of pressure. I knew I would have to make it to the final of this tournament to be able to stay among the top four.

"At least I have been able to check the slide and am back in No 2 spot in the national rankings which should have a positive impact on my performances in the events to come."

The next tournament of the circuit is scheduled to take place in May.

* Agency

Follow us @SprtNationalUAE