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 on Sunday.
The eight time world champion suffered a 1231-1835 loss against Russell, also an eight time winner, in the last four stage match at the Northern Snooker Centre.
Outplayed
Russell outplayed Sethi in 1265-219 in the first session, which included four breaks of 326, 236, 242 and 261. Sethi managed a break of 119 in the opening session.
The Indian veteran came back stronger in the second and final session to score 1012-570 and notching breaks of 101, 192, 335 and an unfinished 202.  However, Sethi’s late charge could not help him as the Briton had already secured his place in the final.
Russell set up a title clash with compatriot Chris Shutt, who ousted David Causier 1698-1464.
Six other Indians, including debutant Pankaj Advani, bowed out in the earlier rounds.
Advani was defeated by Shutt in the quarterfinals, while Devendra Joshi made his exit after losing to Sethi in their last eight stage clash.