Sheehan, Shandilya switch gears

Given the fact that it was his first match, Sheehan display amazing adaptability, if not consistency, while chalking up a victory in less than three hours. One could notice shades of World No.1 Mike Russell in Sheehan8217;s style and speed about the table, and it would be no wonder if the youngster from Widnes follows Russell8217;s footsteps.

Sheehan8217;s talent was much in evidence during the three-figure runs. Very strong in potting with a rock solid bridge, Sheehan, ranked No.11, devoured points like there is no tomorrow. However, he would be a much better player with some consistency that he will surely attain with experience.

In fact, apart from the two big breaks, Sheehan had just one run past the 50 when he fired an unfinished 96 at lightning speed to close the match.

Sheehan takes on Australia8217;s No.4 ranked Robby Foldvari in the next round.

Shandilya wins: While Sheehan8217;s performance was obviously the highlight of the early sessions, Ashok Shandilya, meanwhile, made a less spectacular, but equally impressive, progress to the round of 16, easily overhauling Mukesh Rehani 1001-554 which won him a meeting with former champion Peter Gilchrist No.5 in the pre-quarterfinals.

Shandilya, a double gold medallist at the 1998 Asian Games, averaged 21.7 as he recorded two century breaks 125, 110, apart from five half-centuries, including a 99. The World No.9 took a while to settle down and fathom the mysteries of the new, single-shaven cloth that had the balls skidding as if on ice.

But once having got his bearings, Shandilya upped the gears and played some excellent top-of-the-table game, using the floating white8217; technique. Both the century runs could have been extended but for bad runs of the balls that ended the breaks.

Subhash ousted: Like Michael Ferreira on Tuesday, another giant of Indian billiards, Subhash Agrawal, yielded to youth when former National champion Rupesh Shah ousted him 1000-768 to set up a clash with the second seeded Russell in the pre-quarterfinals.

The Ahmedabad-based 22nd ranked Rupesh put in a consistent showing which saw him crack three centuries 102, 127, 147 while Agrawal No.13 managed a high of 127, which provided only a glimpse of his old self.

Match put off: Earlier, the second round match between Ian Williamson England and B Bhaskar tested everyone8217;s patience with its slow pace. Consequently, the match was stopped after nearly four hours with Bhaskar leading 609-469, but with Williamson on a 124 break. The match will be continued later tonight.