Genius players never die. Their games epitomize their indomitable spirit. Their never say die spirit lead to many classic moves that make hockey sport a passion of masses. On Monday at the historic Aisbagh stadium in Bhopal, two of the contemporary greats, Waseem Ahmad and Sameer Dad reminded what genius stuff meant, and in the process elevated the WSH to a higher and different plank.

The duo combined so beautifully and effectively for the Bhopal Badshahs that led to the otherwise dreaded Chennai Cheetahs to be comprehensively outclassed and beaten for a wonderful 3-1 win on memorable Monday.

With the three points gained today, Badshahs are now sitting on the top of points table after completing all 7 matches in the first round of WSH.

What appeared an evenly contested match when the score read 1-1 at the half time, turned in favour the home side with the genius giving their best. Bhopal’s usually reliable penalty corner did not work today, and the lapse went unnoticed against the mesmerizing classicism of Waseem and Dad.

Sameer struck early but Vikram Pillay equalized through a stroke. Set up by Waseem, Lalit Upadhya enhanced the lead before Casey Henwood made use of a Dad’s feed.

Badshahs, to be fair, let many scoring opportunity go waste, at least thrice in the last quarter, lending credibility to Chennai’s fight which was not there.

In a coordinated attack, Pakistan’s most capped Waseem Ahmad, picked it up a loose ball on the top of circle and whacked a diagonal forehand shot ahead of Imran Warsi, Vikas Sharma and Vikaram Pillay, who were all standing on a diagonal line to exactly stop the shot. Sameer Dad, standing to the right of Vikram knelt and threw his stick to defect the lightening shot into the cage. A classic goal has been struck to the merriment of huge Bhopal crowd.

Chennai Cheetahs replied shortly later.

Joseph Rearson tore apart the solid looking Bhopal barriers and earned a controversial stroke which survived a referral. Vikram Pillay placed the stroke to the top right corner of the net.

Adam had a chance to put his side up in the 44th minute but pushed his scoop from close range wide. The Chhetahs paid dearly for such near misses.

Sameer Dad it was again who set the Aisbagah turf on flame. From the right wing, on a swirl motion, caught the defence unawares and sent the ball to the waiting Lalit Upadhyaya.

The youngster, first seemed to fumble, controlled his nerves before whacking it to the left inside netting for a fluent goal.

After this 48th minute stunner, Bhopals were all over the places, the famed midfield of Chennai with captain Brent Livermore as the pivot, was rendered ineffective against the forward force that the Badshahs applied without break.

After Casey Henwood struck in the 52nd minute, Bhopal had created umpteen chances to further go up, but Sameer himself let them all go, with wayward hitting.