World champion Amr Shabana's bid to retain his title was shattered after losing 3-1 to Frenchman Gregory Gaultier in the semis in Cairo. The Egyptian star lost the first two games 11-5 and 11-7 before crushing his opponent 11-2 in the third game as he looked close to a stormy comeback on a warm Tuesday night. But Gaultier rallied to a hard-fought 11-9 win in the last game to secure a place in the final against Australia's David Palmer. Shabana, title holder in 2003 and 2005, was supported by huge crowd who were left disappointed after the game. Celebrating Gaultier tried to attract Egyptian fans to his side in preparation for the final game on Wednesday. "I am sorry for the crowd because I know they wanted Shabana to win," he said in the loudspeakers just outside the court. "But I hope you come and support me tomorrow in the final." Second-seeded Palmer reached the final match after beating Thierry Lincou of France 3-1 in the other tie in the last four.