NEW DELHI: National champion Devendra Joshi displayed tremendous maturity under pressure to defeat Busan Asian Games silver medallist Kwao Oo of Mayanmar 4-2 in the semifinals to storm into the final of the Asian Billiards championships in Tehran.

Joshi will play Ang San Oo, also of Myanmar, who upset top seed Praprut C of Thailand by an identical margin of 4-2 on Friday, in the event being played in the 100-up format.

In the first game, Joshi wrapped up the frame with a 58 and a 38 break. Joshi won the second with a 48 unfinished (unf) break, when Kwao was of 85.  Both the players were level on 85 in the third game but Joshi missed a sitter to leave Kwao with an easy opening which reduced the margin to 2-1.

Kwao, getting new life, played superbly to make a 100 unf to draw level at 2-2.  In the fifth game it was Kwao, who made a 83 break and missed a red pot in the centre. Seizing the opportunity Joshi ran out with a magnificent 87 unf to lead 3-2.

The sixth game was no different as Kwao once again on a 65 break missed a top pocket in off when needing just 15 pts to win.  Once again Joshi displayed great nerves to make an unfinished break of 68 to win the match.