Geet Sethi loses in billiards
singles semis

Former world champion Geet Sethi's hopes of winning the individual gold medal in the Asian Games were dashed on Monday as he crumbled in the face of a spirited challenge from unheralded Kyaw Oo U of Myanmar in the semi-finals of the billiards singles.

Sethi lost 100-31, 77-100 and 0-100.

In the other semi-final, Thai veteran Praprut Chaithanasa made light work of Myanmar's Aung San Oo U in straight frames, winning 100-19, 100-70.

Yesterday, Chaithanasa and Mongkhon Kanflaklang of Thailand had defeated Sethi and Alok Kumar in the billiards doubles final.

Sethi, who missed out on the gold medal in the last edition of the Games, losing to compatriot Ashok Shandilya in the final, will now face Aung San in the bronze medal play-off tomorrow.

After today's match, a disappointed Sethi said, "I was outplayed by my rival. I feel terrible about the loss. It is miserable.

"Leave aside my personal loss. I am depressed that I have let down my countrymen."

Sethi won the first frame quite comfortable 100-31, but Kyaw Oo came up with consistent play in the second to take it 100-71.

At the start of the deciding third frame, Sethi missed an easy in-off. After that, the Myanmar cueist played like a man possessed and came up with a superb 100 break as Sethi was reduced to a mere spectator.

Sethi, who had himself produced a superb 101 unfinished break when he defeated Udon Kahimuk of Thailand 100-43, 63-100 and 100-2 in the quarter-finals, said today was "a rotten day" for him.

"I have no words to express my feelings. I played very badly."

Dismissing suggestions that the new best-of-three frames format does not suit his style of play, he said he has no excuses for his dismal performance.

"The format of 100-up introduced here is going to help the sport grow," he declared.