Sharpshooter clinches SA singles snooker title

The tense atmosphere in the dimly-lit room at Goodwood Sports Club over the weekend was broken only by the clack of cue balls colliding, as two skilled players competed in the SA snooker singles championship final.

- FUAD ESACK

Hushed tones, silent appreciation and muted applause accompanied each master stroke delivered by two gladiators of the snooker arena, former champion Mutalieb Allie and incumbent Michael Davids, both from Penlyn Estate.

The action kicked off last Monday with the preliminary round in the singles division, followed by the pairs and classic knock-out competitions.

Considered a naturally gifted player by those in the know, Allie had his work cut out against the cool, calm and collected current champion, Davids.

In an equally-matched encounter, Allie eventually got the better of his opponent to be crowned SA singles champion.

"The final was a blow-for-blow encounter with the score tied at 4-all. Mutalieb found another gear and took the next two frames to lift the title," said Ashraaf Haribhai, chairman of the Western Province Billiards and Snooker Association.

Although a few big names were missing from this year’s national championships, including African senior champion, Gqeberha’s Charl Jonck, who had beaten Allie 4-2 in the continental championships, Haribhai said the level of play was at a very high standard.

He said Allie and Davids were probably among the most prepared for the competition with both putting in the hard yards ahead of the championships.

"Mike being the defending champion put in the time and effort to prepare to defend his title, but Mutalieb, also knew winning his second title on home soil would be the icing on a nearly 40-year-career.