Six-Time world snooker champion Steve Davis took a little over one hour to dash the hopes of the Delhi-based Mukesh Rehani 9-3 to move into the last 32 of the 2003 Empirepoker.com World Pool Championship late last night at Cardiff, Wales.Rehanihad surprised a world-class field by making it through the group stages over the first four days, but was a massive underdog against Davis. The Englishman raced to a 3-0 lead before a mistake gave Mukesh the chance. However, the Indian was a little too nervous and careless which proved fatal in the ultimate analysis against Davis. Davis then went to 5-1 before Rehani took his second rack at 8-3 when Davis, aiming for the green, sunk his cue ball. Rehani after successfully completing the rack failed to capitalise on the opportunity when he got to break the 12th rack. His attempt at No. 2 misfired and Davis took on the chance. However, he could not finish the table and allowed Rehani another chance with 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 remaining on the table. Rehani potted both Nos. 5 and 6 but missed out on No. 7. As if he was looking for this vital chance, Davis potted No. 7 and played a brilliant back shot to sink No. 8 and complete the table by potting No 9 to emerge an overwhelming winner.
