Pagulayan Sneaks Past Chamat

Alex Pagulayan 8 - 7 Marcus Chamat

2004 World Champion Alex Pagulayan survived a close-run battle with Marcus Chamat to sneak his way into the 888.com World Pool Masters semi-finals.

The final quarter-final became the third to go to a final rack decider and it was the Canadian-Filipino who came out on top in the battle of the tournament’s little big men!

Chamat edged the first five racks 3-2 and, for only the second time in the tournament, a dry break was produced in rack six as Pagulayan failed to drop a ball.

He worked his way back to 5-5 but then hooked himself on the 1-ball, and Chamat produced a quality run-out to regain the lead.

After reaching the hill, Chamat’s nerves set in and he missed a 2-ball bank shot on the middle pocket only for Pagulayan to then fall short by missing a cut shot on the 4.

But the Swede could not finish the rack and a dogged 6-ball proved costly with Pagulayan not needing asking twice for a chance to clear and then ran the next to level the match again.

His break in the final rack left the 1-ball hidden behind the six and Pagulayan lifted the tension by offering his opponent £10 to play the shot!

But Chamat wasn’t drawn in and Pagulayan was put back in and then inadvertently potted the 3-ball leaving himself hooked.

He kicked out off a rail and a double kiss off the 1 left him Chamat snookered.

His foul, hitting the 4 instead of the 1, proved to be his final chance and Chamat ended up offering his hand to Pagulayan before the final 9-ball was played.

“I admit I was lucky – but it’s the only time I’ve been lucky, Pagulayan smiled.

Chamat added: “I had my chance but I dogged the 6-ball and that proved costly. I thought I would make it, but I made two mistakes in the last rack – my only two mistakes.”