Borg's hopes dashed

Alex Borg's hopes of reaching the final stages of this year's World Championship came to an end yesterday. The Maltese champion lost to Mark Selby 10-4 in a third qualifying round match in Prestatyn, Wales.

Borg had showed excellent form this week after notching fine wins over English players Simon Bedford and Jimmy Michie. However, Selby turned out to be a stronger opponent for the Mellieha player.

Selby, ranked 32nd in the provisional WSA list, was always in control and ended the opening session 5-3 ahead.

Borg tried to get back in the match and looked poised to level matters when he won the ninth frame and then opened a commanding 57-0 lead in the 10th frame. But Selby managed to recover and went on to re-establish his two-frame advantage.

From then on it was all Selby as the 2003 Regal Scottish runner-up won the next four frames to set up a final qualifying round match against Robert Milkins on March 14 and 15.

Meanwhile, Tony Drago will be in action today in Wales when he plays against David Gilbert. The winner plays James Wattana with a place in the first round proper at stake.