Daugapils (Latvia): India's Chitra Magimairajan stormed into the semi-finals of the women's event at the IBSF World Snooker Championships, defeating compatriot Varsha Sanjeev even as the men's challenge ended in the last-16 round here.
Seasoned Chitra, who had two world billiards titles and Australian Open crown to her credit, defeated 17-year-old Varsha 4-0. With her last four-place secured, Chitra now is assured of at least a bronze medal from the event.
Chitra will play unbeaten Wendy Jans of Belgium in the semi-final later today. Varsha had outperformed Arantxa Sanchis 4-1 while Chitra got the better of Vidya Pillai 2-4 yesterday.
Meanwhile in the men's competition, Manan Chandra and Shahbaaz Adil Khan lost to England's Jeff Cundy and Zhao Xintong of China in their respective pre-quarterfinal matches to end India's march yesterday.
While Chandra was outclassed 0-5 by Cundy, Shahbaaz was defeated 1-5 in an one-sided contest. Chandra was never allowed a chance to look in or settle down by Cundy. In the fourth frame, Chandra had a break to seize the lead but Cundy came up with a 74 break to win the frame while Shahbaaz was way below-par and when opportunities arose he failed to grab them.
Results: Women's - Chitra Magimairajan beat Varshaa Sanjeev 59-47, 71-42, 61-26, 61-27. Men's: Manan Chandra lost to Jeff Cundy 5-0 (54-75, 0-120(103), 25-65, 69-74(74), 20-77)
Shah Baaz Adil Khan lost to Zhao Xintong China 5-1 (46-83, 18-72, 40-67, 31-61, 85-54, 55-68).
