Cheetahs, Rockets to clash in semis

Akshay Vasani played a crucial role in ARC Cheetahs' win

Andheri Recreation Club team ARC Cheetahs and Otters Club side Otters Rockets scored identical hard-fought 3-2 wins to set up a clash in the semi-final round of the Otters Club BSAM Mumbai Snooker League.

Cheetahs quelled the spirited fight back from Radio Club's outfit Radio 'Fusion' in a tense quarter-final encounter which went the distance. On the side table, hosts and defending champions Otters Club 'Rockets' beat back the challenge from Bombay Gymkhana's BG Phantoms in another quarter-final contest.

ARC got off to flying starts thanks to their doubles combination of Tarun Kalra and Akshay Vasani. Later, ARC skipper Karan Anand (+20) increased the lead. Radio Club's wonder kid Shahyan Razmi, 13, halted the ARC's charge. Shahyan's elder brother Rayaan (+25) brought Radio Club back into the match by pocketing the fourth frame. Shahyan (+35) returned to play the fifth frame against Vasani (+55), but he was not his usual self as Vasani took the match away from the youngster and seal Cheetahs victory.

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