Thirtyfive-year-old Manudev, a junior national champion in 1995 making a comeback in snooker, was lucky to get the better of Rao after opening the match with a break of 75 in the first frame. Rao got his rhythm and led 3-2 and was all set to win the next and the match but made a mess of a blue allowing Manudev the chance.
Manudev gained supremacy in the decider with small breaks in the initial stages and then cashed-in on the chances to win the match.
Published 19 December 2009, 17:30 IST