On another dramatic day of upsets, unseeded Praneet Ramchandani of Chennai also stunned No. 5 Yasin Merchant of Mumbai 11-9 in a thrilling race-to-11 racks semi-final.

Delhi-based Khan of Railways displayed awesome form as he led 6-4 at the half-way stage. But Chennai-based Habib, who is India No. 1 in 9-ball pool, kept pace with his young opponent as he drew level at 8-8.

Habib was well on course to take the lead, but he fouled late in the 17th rack and Khan, who is India No. 3 in 9-ball pool, seized the opportunity to surge to a crucial 9-8 lead. Khan made it 10-8 and once again capitalised on Habib's foul to seal the match in the 19th rack.

Earlier, Khan snatched a pulsating victory from the jaws of defeat when he rallied from a 2-8 deficit to snare seven racks in a row and overcome Manish Jain of Kolkata 9-8 in the race-to-nine racks quarter-finals.

Praneet Ramchandani also was forced to come from behind after trailing 4-6 against the formidable Yasin Merchant.

Merchant's form was envious but Ramchandani ignored the reputation of his much accomplished rival to draw level at 9-9.

Ramchandani later capitalised on a series of errors by Merchant including those in the 19th and 20th racks and completed the match in a flourish.