Joshi, Shandilya set up all-Mumbai final

BANGALORE, FEB 11: Strong contender Devendra Joshi of Maharashtra and former champion Ashok Shandilya of Railways will clash in the all-Mu...

BANGALORE, FEB 11: Strong contender Devendra Joshi of Maharashtra and former champion Ashok Shandilya of Railways will clash in the all-Mumbaikars final of the Lachmandas Kalro Senior National Men’s Billiards Championship here ON Saturday.

Runner-up in the last Nationals, Devendra Joshi carved an impressive win over Karnataka’s B Bhaskar 1857-805 while Shandilya sidelined defending champion Alok Kumar in the first semi-final 1418-1062.

Putting up an impressive display, Shandilya looked too good for Alok Kumar, the Punjab cueist. Kumar lost his concentration and gifted the match to the winner after having led 330-247. The experienced Shandilya played a steady game and came good with handy breaks to enter the final.

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The Joshi-Bhaskar encounter did was a dull affair as the local lad gave up the fight at the fag end of the first session itself.

Joshi, who has been consistent right through the championship, took early breaks of 51, 181, 203, 137, 99 and was in total control of the proceedings. Joshi led883-392 in the first session.

Joshi continued to dominate the second session too, compiling century breaks. He finally signed off with a 78 break. Bhaskar’s only consolation was that he scored an unfinished 69.

Though the EC’s media invitation did not specify the subject, officials said the briefing would pertain to the SIR schedule. (File)

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