Dull final goes Foldvari way

In this three-ball game, the slow play and safety tactics employed by Foldvari disappointed the crowd as he annexed the title with one of the poorest ever scoreline of 1869-1439 in an eight-hour duel played over two days in four sessions of two hours each.

It was only in the last session that Foldvari could show glimpses of his touch play and went ahead of Praput with five breaks of 143, 133 and 127.Trailing by 300 points and only half an hour to go, Praput, however, went on displaying a fine all-round game with some exquisite cannon play. Praput, however, broke down in tiny breaks being unable to adjust to the superfine cloth.

The sudden decision of refurbishing the table with brand new cloth at that stage of the tournament raised a lot of eyebrows as the Thai player was more affected than his much experienced rival.

Besides the prestigious glittering Arthur Walker Trophy, Foldvari also received the highest break trophy for his effort of 478 made earlier in the round robin match.

Praput, who received the runner-up trophy, was given a solid round of applause as he had become the darling of the crowd due to his unassuming nature and an incredible performance in reaching the final of the World Championship in his maiden appearance.

The consolation cup was presented to Shyam Jagtiani for winning the event played amongst those who could not make it to the last sixteen.

Result

Foldari 1869 (breaks 121, 143, 133, 127). Session 3 – 414, Session 4 – 656.
Praput 1439 (no breaks). Session 3 – 312, Session 4 – 224.