‘Hard to play after friend’s death’

LONDON: American John Isner said it had been “very very difficult” to focus on his second match at the ATP Finals against Marin Cilic after learning of the death of his close friend and former strength coach Kyle Morgan.

Morgan, a 35-year-old former Florida University football player, was found dead on Monday after being reported missing by his family. “Found out two nights ago after I lost to Novak (Djokovic),” Isner, 33, said after his 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4 defeat — his second loss on his debut in the tournament. “It’s difficult, very difficult. Got to go out there and play.

“When I left college, I worked out exclusively with Kyle for probably seven years. That’s four, five times a week for seven years. We lived together, as well.

“Certainly very close. It’s devastating not just for me, but for a whole bunch of people. He was a fantastic guy.”

Earlier the world No 10 had posted a message on his Instagram page, alongside a photo of the two of them. “It’s hard to explain how much I loved you and how instrumental you were in making me who I am today. My heart and everyone who knew you is absolutely broken,” Isner wrote. “You touched so many lives in the best possible way.

“Despite our crazy differences, we forged an inseparable bond. You were the most knowledgeable strength coach ever and the years we spent in the gym together allowed me to compete at the highest level. Kyle Steven Morgan, I love you bro. Gone but never forgotten.”

DOMINANT

Up against the man to beat in the world of billiards, Oo wasn’t given much breathing space as Advani was clearly on a mission to retain his title. And he did so with absolute supremacy. His flow and fluency left even the local crowd in awe of his prowess as they saw the visitor steal the dream from its national hero.

Advani started off the final with a century break of 108.

But since he wasn’t able to settle down at the top of the table, the high-scoring zone, he couldn’t reach the 150-mark of the frame, thus allowing his opponent on to the table. Oo, however, did not capitalise and the Indian drew first blood. But the Myanmar cueist was determined to put up a fight and made the score 1-1 with the help of a 147 break.

The Indian pulled one back to maintaining the lead with breaks of 91 and 54 to go 2-1 up. However, Oo was not going to relent and added another century to make the score two apiece.

But it was from there that Advani went into overdrive and never looked back.

The next four frames in the race-to-6 encounter saw Advani play with sheer dominance as he compiled four back-to-back cen-

turies of 141, 129, 145 and 151 to stamp his authority.

“This win is extremely special for me. It’s a perfect 20 and I’m glad that I’m still hungry for more. It’s pleasing to be able to play at a quality level over the years and looking to take this tally beyond a ‘score’,” said the champion.

As Advani played the winning shot, the sporting Myanmar cueist clapped, smiled and rose from his chair to congratulate his worthy opponent.

While this is yet another world title for the maestro, this win also marks a hat-trick of wins in the shorter format. Advani had won in his hometown Bengaluru in 2016 before doing the same in Doha last year.

Earlier, Pankaj qualified top of his group without dropping a frame. In the entire tournament it is to be noted that another record was created when he dropped a total of only three frames — one in the quarterfinal against Dhvaj and two in the final.