Cue sports king clinches second world title in two weeks
Pankaj Advani poses with his championship trophies in Leeds on Wednesday.
Bengaluru: “Oh! What a feeling!” World billiards champion Pankaj Advani exclaimed in the wee hours of Thursday, a little after he won the time-format crown in Leeds, the 29-year-old’s second world championship trophy in as many weeks. The latest feat took his count of world titles to an unprecedented 12. An hour after his 1928–893 victory over Englishman Robert Hall, Advani placed his pickings for the week on the table where had yet again earned glory, sat there for a few moments as much of India slept, pondering his achievement, before allowing a smile of satisfaction to cross his face.
Said the stylish Bengaluru lad, “The area where the final was played is called the ‘well’ because it is in a low area. I was looking at the trophies on the table and thinking that I have both the trophies together with me after a long time. The last time was in 2008. This is very satisfying.” After an energy and emotion-sapping semi-final against David Causier, and with little rest, Advani took his time to find rhythm in the five-hour finale.
At the end of the first session which lasted 150 minutes, the Khel Ratna awardee held an advantage of 261 points, with the score reading 746-485.Leaving nothing to chance, Advani raised his game and produced some impressive three-figure breaks including a 289 to take the match away from his opponent, a rising star in England.With the win, Advani has won the double world crowns thrice in his career, starting with his maiden double delight at Malta in 2005. His second twin win came at his home venue the KSBA in 2008.
On the feeling of having won a collection of double titles, Advani said, “It’s absolutely satisfying because I’m a kind of a player who does not like to rest on his laurels. I’m hungry for more. Each time I play a tournament I want to give it my best. I think it is a reflection of all these things that I have been able to win three double titles.“I believe I’m evolving as a person and the game is the best medium for me to evolve.”
The win also serves as the perfect birthday gift for his mother Kajal. “This is my birthday gift to her. Before I left I asked her what she wanted and she said, ‘bring back the title’ and now I’ve done my bit. I would have just loved to go home and give her a hug and a kiss on her birthday.”
Next Story
