Ronnie, Dev through to knockouts of NSCI All India Open 9Ball

08.12.2014

Ronnie Daruwala

Ronnie Daruwala of PJ Hindu Gymkhana and Dev Dongre of JVPG used different routes to qualify for the main draw, in the Rs. 1.89 lakh NSCI All India 9-Ball Open Pool tournament, co-sponsored by Bank of India, on Monday.

Seasoned Daruwala got through a tight opener at 5-4 against Riyen Vora of Lions Sports Club, Mulund before overcoming Nikhil Ghadge of Matunga Gymkhana 5-3 and Prathamesh Sawant of Thane 5-2 to enter the main draw from Group F.

But Ghadge was a step away from qualifying from the double elimination round following a 5-1 win over Vilas Upsham of Vashi, to set up his next clash with Sawant.

Young Dev Dongre, who lost his opener, recovered brilliantly to win four back-to-back ties to qualify from the double elimination round in Group D, where he was joined by Ankit Ravasa of Lions Sports Club.

Also qualifying was Vinit Ahuja of NSCI who upset state junior billiards champion Nikhil Saigal of Khar Gymkhana to make it from Group E.