Mike Russell showed tremendous determination to come back from 3 – 1 down in his semi final match and was in no mood to hand over his crown to Pankaj Avanti and eventually ran out a 6 games to three games winner.
Earlier today, Mike defeated Sourav Kothari (India) in the semi-final match, where he was trailing 1-3 and back to back three unfinished breaks advanced him into the final. From the other side, Pankaj Advani from India defeated Praput Chaithanasukan (Thailand) to meet Russell in the final.
From the beginning of final match, Mike controlled every thing and demonstrated a fantastic billiards in first four games where he produced four unfinished breaks (three 150s and one 148) to almost outplay Pankaj. Fifth frame again Mike scored a break of 114 with just one game away from lifting the title.
In the sixth game, a small mistake on an attempt of cannon kept him on wait for some more time as Pankaj bounced back with a fantastic 143 break (unfinished) to narrow the deficit.
The Timed event of these World Championships breaks off tomorrow morning at 10am and Ireland will look towards Eugene Hughes for some hope of success.
But Saturday was all about Mr Mike Russell who wins back to back World titles in the points format against his great rival Pankaj Avani who he defeated last year.
