Gilchrist shocks Mike Russell for title

Third seed Peter Gilchrist shocked top seed and world number one Mike Russell 1287-863, after leading 531-444 at half time, in the final of the 45,000 pounds prize money Mega Ace World professional billiards championship at the Cricket Club of India in Bombay on Sunday.

Gilchrist, who regained the world title after a lapse of seven years, was picture of confidence and came up with a break of 285 in his fourth visit to the table which must have boosted his morale.

On the other hand, Russell, who could manage his highest break of 192 in his seventh visit, was a bundle of nerves.

Gichrist got a break of 74 in his third visit and then a 50 and 54 in his sixth and seventh visits followed by an 88, 97, 194, 99, 50 and 67 and was leading by over 300 points with just ten minutes to go for the final hooter.

Russell, who had breaks of 179, 92, 124, 56 and 124, apart from the 192 break just could not come up with big breaks when it really mattered and lost easily in the end.

Gilchrist, who won 12,500 pounds for his efforts, told reporters after the match that it was a great feeling to regain the title beating the same man he had beaten seven years ago.

"I started off well and that was a big leap and Mike found it hard to concentrate especially in the later stages of the match which helped my cause immensely, he added.

Results (final): Peter Gilchrist (Eng) bt Mike Russell (Eng) 1287 (285, 97, 194, 99) beat Mike Russell (Eng) 863 (179, 192, 96, 124, 124).

PTI