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.