Sethi charged up late to cross the Semi Final hurdle

Defending Champion Geet Sethi, charged up late against England's Mike Russell but failed to cross the semifinal hurdle at the World Professional Billiards title at Leeds today. The eight time title holder Indian suffered 1231-1835 loss against Russell, also an eight time winner of the title, in the last four stage match at the Northern Snooker Centre.

Russell out pointed Sethi in 1265-219 in the first session, which also included four breaks of 326, 236, 242 and 261. Sethi managed a break of 81 unfinished in the opening session. The Indian veteran come back stronger in the second and final session to score 1012-570 and notching breaks of 101, 192, 335 and an unfinished 202. He left very little scope for Russell, who had an break of 119.

However, the Sethi's late charge could not help him as the Briton had already secured his place in the final.

Russell set up the title clash with compatriot Chris Shutt, who removed David Causier 1698-1464, for a repeat of 2005 final.

Other six Indians, including debutants Pankaj Advani and Sourav Kothari, were ousted in the earlier rounds.

Advani, the IBSF World Billiards Champion, was defeated by Shutt in the quarterfinal, while Devendra Joshi made exit after losing to Sethi in their last eight stage clash. Ashok Shandilya, Alok Kumar, Sourav Kothari and Dhruv Sitwala were removed in the preliminary rounds.

London, 21st July 2007