Peter Wright's BetVictor World Matchplay title dreams were ripped apart by bogey player Mensur Suljovic.
Sluggish Snakebite never got going in a strange display that saw him slump to a 17-13 semi-final defeat at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool last night.
Wright kept fighting throughout but was clearly below par. He did bring the scoreline back to 10-10 but after that it was all about the Austrian.
An emotional Suljovic, who won last year’s Champions League, said: “This is a brilliant feeling. I never saw myself winning this game, but I did.
“It was a really hard game. My scoring was okay, but Peter wasn’t scoring. He gave me chances.
“This is my first Major tournament Final and I am so happy to be there.
“It will be amazing to play in the final. This has been such a good event for me this year. I don’t mind who I play. I will just give 100 per cent for sure. I am just so very happy.”
It was nip and tuck early doors with Wright and Suljovic locked at 4-4. But then the first sign of problems for the Scot.
Suljovic zipped into a 6-4 lead and then 8-5 and suddenly it was clear that Wrighty was nowhere near his A game.
However, somehow the mohican ace hauled himself back into the match. He got it back to 10-10 and was back in it.
But not for long. Wright once again slumped against the slow-throwing Austrian losing four legs in succession and Suljovic was within touching distance of the final.
Wright tried to fightback but five missed doubles left Suljovic to hit a 70 and double 14 finish to go through to Sunday night’s final.
By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia)