Close call for defending champion Isda Lau
SIBU: Defending champion Isda Lau had to come from behind before overcoming an inspired Michael Yao 2-1 (38- 46, 53-20, 57-51) to qualify for the quarterfinals of the 2nd Sibu City Swan Cup held at Executive 3 Snooker Centre Friday night.
It was supposed to be a walk in the park for Lau but newcomer Yao had other ideas. Yao executed his playing rythmn carefully and surprisingly took the first frame before Lau awoke from his slumber to take the second frame.
The deciding game was played right down to the wire with Yao still ahead 51-50 and only two coloured balls remaining.
Lau finally prevailed after gambling on taking one long shot at black to win.
“I never expected to face such stiff resistance from Yao and I
FULL RESULTS
Steven Wong bt Amandi 2-1 ( 57-18, 23- 69, 51-15) Mark Yeo bt David Wong 2-1 ( 51-12, 38- 48, 46-16) Ng Hong Man bt Sie Leong Ung 2- 0 ( 6154, 60-24) Ting Siew Chon bt Peter Liong 2-1 ( 31- 61, 72- 51, 49- 47) Yong Kung Chai bt Sim Hong Hui 2- 0 ( 8156, 55- 48) Aaron Teo bt William Lau 2- 0 (48- 8, 51-36) Liau Chung Kiong bt Patrick Tan 2-1 ( 2155, 61- 39, 50- 41) Isda Lau bt Michael Yao 2-1 ( 38- 46, 53-20, 57- 51) must admit I’m fortunate to pull through,” he said.
The other seven matches went according to the form book except for Yong Kung Chai causing an upset over Sim Hong Hui.