Dhruv Sitwala of India clinched the silver medal as he finished runner-up, losing to Singapore pro Peter Gilchrist in the recently concluded final of the Pan Am Cup held at the Army Navy and Air Force Veterans Unit #283, in Winnipeg, Canada.
India’s Dhruv Sitwala shows off his runner-up trophy and certificate after losing to Singapore’s Peter Gilchrist in the final of the Pan Am Cup in Winnipeg, Canada.
The Mumbai-based left-handed Sitwala after some impressive and creditable wins in the earlier rounds was beaten by the more consistent Gilchrist who was on a roll and comfortable charged to victory by a 1500-507 points margin in the race-to-1500 points final, according to a media release.
The tall lanky Singapore cueist Gilchrist started with a bang as he constructed a triple century and followed it up with four century efforts before compiling a run of 208 and an unfinished break of 237 to cross the finish line.
Sitwala who did not get many opportunities had just one substantial effort of 183.
Earlier in the race-to-1200 point semi-finals, Sitwala managed to smother the late charge from England’s Mike Russell snatching a tight 1200-1154 victory. Sitwala rattled up breaks of 118, 117 and 141, which secured his win. The flambuoyant Russell, winner of multiple world titles, trailed throughout but produced a big break of 393 to bridge the gap. He, however, was unable to halt Sitwala from running away to victory. His other efforts included runs of 127 and 161.
India’s Dhvaj Haria another southpaw, went down fighting to Gilchrist in the second semi-final. Haria compiled breaks of 278, 215, 111 and 162, but those efforts were nullified by Gilchrist’s massive run of 487 and a century run of 129 which helped tilt the match in his favour.
Results – Final: Dhruv Sitwala (IND) lost to Peter Gilchrist (SIN) 507(183)-1500 (366, 116, 107, 131, 101, 208, 237unf).
Semi-finals: Dhruv Sitwala (IND) beat Mike Russell (ENG) 1200(118, 117, 141)-1154(127, 161, 393).
Dhvaj Haria (IND) lost to Peter Gilchrist (SIN) 1024(278, 215, 111, 162)-1200 (129, 487).