Indian cueist Pankaj Advani wins IBSF Billiards Championships for 25th World title

Kuala Lumpur: India’s leading cueist, Pankaj Advani on Saturday claimed his 25th gold medal on the world stage, winning the 2022 IBSF World Billiards Championship by outclassing compatriot Sourav Kothari 4-0 in a one-sided final to defend the title for the fifth time in a row.

Advani maneuvered his cue like a magician’s wand as he entertained the spectators, who showed up in large numbers to witness history being made at the High-End Snooker Club venue.

Advani made his intentions clear from the first frame itself that he wants to win the title as the event is being held after a two-year gap due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Indian star started the proceedings by winning the first frame with a 149 break while his opponent, who is still seeking his maiden IBSF World title, had yet to score a point in the 150-up format.

The best-of-seven summit clash saw Advani compete fiercely to ensure he completed a billiards National-Asian-World golden trifecta in the same calendar year for a record fifth time, Advani’s management team informed in a press release on Saturday.

The second frame also went Advani’s way after Kothari failed to capitalise on the limited chances he got. With the help of a 77 break, Advani was halfway home with a 2-0 lead. There on, Advani turned on the heat, mesmerising the Malaysian crowd with some fine billiards.

Advani’s craftsmanship saw him make the tournament’s highest break of 153 in the third bringing himself one frame away from familiar glory.

In the fourth frame, Advani proved yet again why he is the man to beat in the 3-ball sport as he put together exquisite breaks of 86 and 60 unfinished to put the last nail in the coffin and seal the deal.

Kothari’s forgettable final witnessed a total of 72 points scored by him while Advani amassed over 600 points to defend his title for the fifth year in a row. Due to the pandemic, the event last took place in 2019 and got revived after a three-year gap. For Advani however, the gap seemed to have made little difference.

An elated Advani said, “It’s a dream to defend a world title for five times in a row. Truly pleased with how I’ve played and won every billiards event I participated in this year. Feel honoured to bring to my country yet another gold medal at a world level.”

Advani’s last world title came over 12 months ago in Qatar where he won the IBSF 6-Red Snooker World Cup. With 25 world titles, Advani has extended his record-breaking success as India’s winner of the most gold medals in world championships across all sports.

-IANS