After toppling world champions from the Philippines, Germany and Japan, Steve Davis saw his unexpected and wonderful run at the World Pool Championship come to an end Saturday night at the hands of a youthful American.

Twenty-two-year-old Corey Deuel of the U.S. ousted the six-time world snooker champion with a convincing 11-7 win at the Cardiff International Arena. "The experience and thrill from this event has been priceless," said the 43-year-old Davis. "It's been a walk in Wonderland. This has been as big a thrill as many snooker tournaments. I can't say I'm not disappointed to be out, but I have to be proud of myself."

Showing an incredible ability to quickly grab the nuances of the game, Davis upset defending champion Efren Reyes, Germany's Ralf Souquet and Japan's Kunihiko Takahashi in order to reach the final eight. But Deuel, who barely escaped an 11-10 thriller against countryman Jon Kucharo Friday night, overcame an early 3-0 deficit to play a solid match against Davis. Deuel forged his first lead at 7-6, then won the final four games for the 11-7 decision.

"I was really nervous at the start," said Deuel, the owner of a Camel Pro Billiards Series title in '99 and the 2000 Canadian Open. "I've never played a player with Davis' reputation in a tournament this big. But once I got comfortable, I played pretty solid pool." Deuel will face Taiwan's top ace, Fong-Pang Chao Sunday afternoon, with the winner earning a spot in the title match, worth $60,000 to the winner. Davis earned $7,500 as losing quarterfinalist.

Quarterfinal No.4 - July 8

Corey Deuel (USA) def. Steve Davis (ENG) - 11-7