Joshi sets up title clash with Ang San Oo in Asian Billiards

New Delhi, May 20: National champion Devendra Joshi survived a scare before overpowering Asian Games runners up Kwao Oo 4-2 to set up a title clash with Mayanmar's Ang San Oo in the Asian Billiards championships in Tehran.

Ang San Oo created a major upset when he upset top seed Thai cueist Praprut by an identical margin of 4-2 in another semifinal.

The championshop is being played in the 100-up format.

According to information received here, Joshi started on aggressive note to take 2-0 lead.

The Indian had breaks of 38 and unfinished 48 in the first and second frames respectively which he won with ease leaving his Mayanmar rival bemused.

Joshi was well on course to win the third but a loss of concentration at crucial moment caused him the frame. He was levelled at 85 with Kwao Oo but muffed an easy chance giving his rival with an easy opening who made no mistake in making it 1-2.

In the fourth frame, Kwao gave a superb display on the green baize as he chalked out an unfinished break of 100 to draw parity 2-2.

After winning two frames, it was the turn of Kwao to commit an unforced error when he made a 83 break and missed a red pot in the centre and that proved to be the turning point in the match. The Indian capitalised on this opportunity and recorded a superb unfinished break of 87 to take 3-2 lead.

Kwao again faltered at a crucial juncture in the sixth frame when, after having a 65 break, he muffed a top pocket in off.

There was no looking back for the Indian who held his nerves to chalk out unfinished 68 to emerge victorious.

UNI