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Billiards & Snooker
End of the Indian challenge
By Geet Sethi
MIDDLESBROUGH, DEC. 6. The Indian challenge in the 2001 UK Billiards Championship ended late last night after both Nalin Patel and Geet Sethi crashed out of the tournament at the semifinal stage losing 4-2 and 4-3 against Peter Gilchrist and David Causier respectively.
The 100-point format with two baulk line crossings has been a huge success as far as the viewing public goes. The Sethi- Causier contest in particular provided all the entertainment and drama which this format is supposed to throw up.
Causier, the World No. 3 has improved over time and even though he still plays in a very unorthodox style and his shot selection is sometimes too adventurous, his game is marked with a improved consistency which has helped him in earning some good victories in the last two years. These wins have subsequently allowed him to rise to No. 3 in the world rankings. Last night Causier was off to a characteristic flying start winning the opening game with both ease and alacrity. He reached 100 thanks to a break of 62. That in itself was not as impressive as the fact that he did not allow me to open my account in that opening game. With a combination of emphatic scoring, embellished with some outstanding recovery strokes at times and rock-solid safety, he was able to gain the initial advantage. My response was immediate and decisive. An effort of 63 helping me to draw level at 1-1. I had hoped that the quick retaliatory response would have dented his seemingly unbounded enthusiasm and confidence. However, the proceedings in the next two games proved me wrong. The stocky 29-year old raced away to a 3-1 lead once again making good use of every visit at the table. The third and fourth games were the lomgest of the match consuming 25 and 21 minutes respectively.
When I faced a 88-38 deficit in the fifth frame it looked as if I was at the receiving end of a drubbing at the hands of this unusual cueist.
However, Causier missed unexpectedly while on a break of 70 and I compiled a fluent 63 unfinished to win the frame and keep myself in the match. Making maximum use of the momentum gained I went on to win the sixth fairly comfortably to once again draw level at 3-3 and force the decider.
The psychological advantage in any deciding game normally resides with the cueist who comes from behind. Causier however was not bothered or intimidated by norm. His bubbly enthusiasm once again surfaced as he cracked in a run of 84 to leave me stranded at 5 and with it emerged a worthy 4-3 winner.
The results: Semifinals (best of seven 100 point games): Peter Gilchrist bt Nalin Patel 4-2; Causier beat Geet Sethi 4-3.
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