Aditya Mehta fails to reach main draw in snooker pro circuit meet

Mumbai, Sep 26 (UNI) India's young gun Aditya Mehta's hopes of emulating Yasin Merchant by reaching the main draw of snooker's professional circuit were dashed when he was beaten 5-1 by UK's Judd Trump in the third round of the qualifiers for the 2008 Royal London Grand Prix at Pontins in England.

According to information received here today, Aditya had his moments when he had break of 61 in the opening frame, which he lost 61-63. He had a 61 in the fifth as well. Aditya's 140 remains the highest in the event which has greats like Steve Davis and Alan McManus playing.

The only Indian to have reached the main draw is Yasin Merchant who has reached the last 32 on five occasions of five majors, losing to Mark Williams (then No.1), Ronnie O'Sullivan, Peter Ebdon, Neal Foulds and Mick Price. Yasin, the two-time Asian champ, once reached last the 64.

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