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CHANDLER WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIP Cardiff International Arena / Final Day - Sunday 9th July Semi Final Results - Comment & Quotes Fong Pang Chao bt Corey Deuel (USA) 11 - 9 Fong Pang Chao (Chinese Taipei), made it second time lucky here at the Cardiff International Arena, as he put away one of pool's brightest new talents, 11 - 9, Corey Deuel of the USA, in another nail-biter. The Cold Faced Killer, a semi-finalist in last year's World Championship, kept his nerve to win after Deuel whittled away his five rack lead to take the match down the home straight. Chao, who was a previous champion in 1993 will certainly start out favourite against Los Angeles-based Mexican Ismael Paez in tonight's race to 17 final. Deuel, who looked relaxed out there, started well, going into a 3 -1 lead. Chao got it back to 3 - 3 and from there on in was never behind. An imposing spell by Chao saw him win five racks on the spin and at 9 - 4 the match looked over. Like many other matches in Cardiff this week, it ain't over till the fat lady sings and Corey concentrated hard to win the next three and get within two racks of Chao. The ice-cool Taiwanese star won the next but Deuel came back at him winning racks 18 and 19 to hinge the match at 10 - 9. An unsuccessful break by the American, however, let Chao back in and he dished up to seal his final spot. Commented a distraught Corey, " I feel sick. The train and plane ride home will be torture. I thought if I beat this guy I win the tournament and I can't believe I lost. I really thought I'd win this tournament. " I should have broken the balls different because that table broke tough out there. I was trying to make the one in the side. I got unlucky a lot of times but I've got a better break than that. If I'd played just a decent game I would have beat him. " I was too calm, way too calm. I should have been more nervous. I should have won this tournament. " 22 year-old Corey's consolation is a semi final loser's cheque for US$15.000. ( approx £10.000 ) send by luke.riches |