Mohammad Shehab's magnificent clearance of 141 in the fifth frame was in vain as Eissa Al Sayyid clinched a thrilling 4-3 win in the pre-quarterfinals of the Damas Open.
The effort was the highest competitive break in the history of UAE snooker and Shehab's highest in the competition. His cue ball control reached its peak when on 68, Shehab was forced to double a red into the side cushion, and back into the opposite middle pocket to keep the break going.
Having learnt this shot well from practice partner Mohammad Al Joker, Shehab went on to clear the table with professional ease.
Well behind in the last, Al Sayyid had to draw on all his resources for an excellent break of 43 to put him in the driving seat.
Going onto the final colours, Al Sayyid was faced with a very tough pot on the pink down a side cushion. He was also hampered as he reached over the black that was in the jaws of the opposite corner pocket. Ignoring this, Al Sayyid adopted an all out attack and neatly slotted in an outstanding pink to book his place in the quarter finals against Eissa Al Hindi.
Al Hindi, 2-1 down to Gulf Doubles Gold Medallist Saif Al Ketbi, won the next two to go one up with two to play. However, misfortune struck Al Ketbi, and Al Hindi, who only had to pot an elementary pink, booked his place in the quarter final.
India's Matthew Thomas made a nice comeback against Abu Dhabi's Ahmad Shehab.
Results
Last sixteen: Eissa Al Sayyid 4 Mohammad Shehab 3; Matthew Thomas 4 Ahmad Shehab 3; Eissa Al Hindi 4 Saif Al Ketbi 2; Obaid Khalifa 4 Zayed Al Mazroei 2.
