Dubai: The Emirates' challenge in the SangSom 6-Red World Grand Prix ended late Friday night after Mohammad Mustafa Shehab fell at the pre-quarterfinal stage following a valiant fight against England's Judd Trump.
UAE No. 1 Shehab had accounted for many a big name during the course of the Bangkok tournament, including English professionals Jimmy White, a six-time runner-up at the world championships, Nigel Bond, the No. 29 ranked player in the world, and Ulsterman Joe Swail. But Trump, who had beaten 2002 world champion Peter Ebdon in the Round of 32, was determined not to let the Arab through, winning 6-4, a repeat of the final score Shehab had inflicted on his rival Bond in the earlier round.
Trump, ranked No. 30 in the world, started well winning the first frame 43-0, but Shehab returned with a fitting reply to win the second 42-0. The Emirati seized the initiative and raced off to a 3-1 lead, winning the next two frames 41-30 and 37-22, before Trump made it three frames each grabbing the fifth and sixth 38-12 and 38-6. Shehab won the seventh 38-11 to go 4-3 up, but a lapse in concentration brought Trump right back into it and he won the next three frames 40-5, 57-0, 45-12 for an unassailable 6-4 lead that earned him a quarterfinal berth against Scot John Higgins.
One of the few amateur players in the tournament, Shehab, who has a full-time job in the UAE, will now turn his attention to the World Games of Cue Sports that will be held in Taiwan between July 22 and 26.
Shehab's performance has revived the debate on the need for professional Emirati cueists. For the man in question though, the next tournament is all that matters. "I finish work and head to the club for practice, that's the way it has been, but it's not too bad. [In Bangkok] all I was really hoping to do was gain practice and be fully prepared for the World Games which starts in two weeks," Shehab said.
Meanwhile, Trump beat Higgins 7-2, in his best of 13 quarterfinal to set up a semifinal date with compatriot Barry Hawkins, who overcame Thailand's Ratchapol Pu-Ob-Orm 7-5.
