September 07, 2006	Thursday	Sha'aban 13, 1427

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CAIRO, Sept 6: Amr Shabana's hopes of retaining his World Open title were crushed on Tuesday when Gregory Gaultier pulled off a stunning 11-5, 11-7, 2-11, 11-9 upset victory in the semi-finals.

Gaultier booked his place in the final against second-seeded Australian David Palmer, who beat France's Thierry Lincou 11-2, 11-10 (2-0), 10-11 (0-2), 11-5 in a battle between two former world champions.

With the tournament having principally been staged to celebrate Shabana's status as the world's best player, the Egyptian's shock exit silenced the patriotic home crowd.

The world champion's defeat, however, is unlikely to surprise many who follow the sport closely as Shabana was making his competitive comeback after a four-month layoff and been patchy throughout the tournament.

Frenchman Gaultier, the eighth-seeded European champion, could not hide his joy once he had sealed his place in the final.

“I feel great for myself but I feel sorry for the crowd,”

Gaultier told the fans. “I know you love Shabana but I hope you will come back tomorrow and cheer for me – please, please.”

Gaultier put Shabana off balance with slow tight drives and his fast-paced court coverage.

Although Shabana got the crowd going when he won the third game, the respite turned out to be short-lived.

“I can't believe it...it's a good feeling to beat Amr Shabana because he's the best player in the world,” said the Frenchman.

In the other semi, Lincou fought back from 10-6 down to 10-10 in the second game but three questionable penalty point decisions against him meant his effort had been in vain.

“After I had won the second game it was crucial, because it left him so much to do to come back,” said Palmer.

Tuesday’s results:

Semi-finals: 8-Gregory Gaultier (France) beat 1-Amr Shabana (Egypt) 11-5, 11-7, 2-11, 11-9; 2-David Palmer (Australia) beat 3-Thierry Lincou (France) 11-2, 11-10 (2-0), 10-11 (0-2), 11-5.—Reuters