Indian cueists begin with a bang

Six-time champion Geet Sethi led an Indian charge at the World billiards championship in Christchurch, decimating New Zealand's Peri Lilii 2,612-369 in the tournament opener.

Sethi did not have to strive too hard and recorded breaks of 253, 201 and 188 against the hapless New Zealander at Christchurch's Hornby Working Men's Club on Tuesday.

Compatriot Ashok Shandilya scored an equally facile win as he took Australian veteran Keith Taylor to the cleaners 2280-299.

A third Indian, Devendra Joshi recorded the day's biggest break of 330 on his way to posting a 2030-577 victory over seasoned New Zealander Joe Ifa.

Young Indian sensation Vishal Madan will be seen in action Wednesday when he takes on New Zealand's number one player Peter de Groot.

Groot is leading New Zealand's 14-strong contingent at the eight-day championships. He, however, has his work cut out for him as he is drawn in the same group as Australian Matthew Bolton, the top ranked player of the tournament.

Indo Asian News Service