Merchant, of Otters Club, capitalized on Chandra’s early blemishes and was in full flow as he swelled the advantage to 13-8. But, to his dismay, his troubles began just when he was on course and looked set to seal the match without much ado.

A miscue in the 22nd rack cost Merchant dear and opened the floodgates for Chandra, who had given up all hopes until then in a match that was heading one way. No pushover, Chandra chose to take one rack at a time from then on. He believed in himself and closed in with some brilliant potting, positional play and clearances that all combined to help him finally draw level at 14-14.

The pressure took its toll on Merchant as he looked on helplessly while Chandra steadily clawed back into the match before sealing the tie in a cliffhanger.

"I was surprised to enjoy that lead. I capitalized on Manan’s mistakes early on and felt I had the match in my grasp. But later in the match I made some mistakes and he made the most of the chances that came his way. Overall he played a better game," admitted Merchant.

"I put pressure on myself at the start," explained a relieved Manan Chandra. "I gave up after trailing 1-9. Certainly, I was gone against a player of Yasin’s caliber. I could only reduce the deficit in such a situation. But once Yasin began making mistakes it gave me a chance to close in. It put him under pressure and I just grabbed the opportunity."

While in the second semi final, the race between Brijesh and Divya was neck to neck till first 10 racks, then Brijesh made a lead of 11-6 and and took the Drivers seat to enter into the final. Later he confirmed the same by winning 15-8.

The final will be played on Sunday, the 05 April 2009 @ 1700 hour.