Desperques holds nerve to book his final place

Martyn Desperques compiled breaks of 95 and 62 in his thrilling victory over John Skillett. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0425920)

MARTYN DESPERQUES is through to the Individual League final after a pulsating match against John Skillett came down to the final frame.

With the pair locked at 3-3 and both missing early opportunities, Desperques rolled in a long red to set up a match-winning 62 break.

Earlier, Skillett had found himself 2-0 down despite having good chances in both frames. Desperques was soon pegged back, though, when his Chirpers teammate comfortably took the third and followed it with a 65 break in the fourth.

Desperques fought back hard and could have forced a black-ball respot, but Skillett held on to make it 2-2.

The fifth frame was the most clear-cut as Desperques stroked in a marvellous 95 break. A ton was beckoning, but an unfortunate kiss on the pink made the pot too difficult and ended a chance of a season-equalling best of 108.

Skillett was not done yet, though, and a deciding frame was forced courtesy of his 42 break, but Desperques held his nerve to set up a final against either Glenn Le Prevost or Adam Shorto.