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
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