Shandilya champ

Joshi, after trailing 362-799 in the first session, pulled up his socks to give an added edge to the second session which moved to a nail-biting finish. Joshi at one stage led 1142-1134. However, Joshi committed virtual suicide as he went in for in-half shots in the dying moments instead of going for quick pottings. An unfinished 37 went in vain.

In the first session, Joshi did not come with up any big breaks except for 81 in the 18th visit. Shandilya was in his usual form and played steadily to obtain a comfortable position.

In the second session, Joshi rallied brilliantly, running up breaks of 228, 100, 73 and a crucial 113 in 22nd visit.

However, he failed to maintain the momentum after leading 1142-1134 while Shandilya chipped away at the lead, playing in-half shots neatly in his visits, besides keeping his nerves in check. Joshi then went up to look at the watch, wasted time, and to top it all, decided to play risky in-half shots and paid the penalty, falling short by nine points.