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Pankaj Advani cruises into last 16 of 6 Red World Championship

September 08, 2016 15:30 IST

Pankaj AdvaniFifteen-time World champion Pankaj Advani stormed into the pre-quarter-finals of the SangSom 6 Red World Championship in Bangkok on Thursday.

The Indian cueist, who maintained a clean slate in the group stage with an all-win record, trounced Germany's Lukas Kleckers 6-0.

He now faces Yuan Sijun of China for a berth in the quarter-finals.

Having overcome Chinese heavyweight Ding Junhui, his toughest challenge, Advani continued his fine form to topple established players on the UK-based snooker circuit.

He defeated Welshman Dominic Dale, England's Robert Milkins, Ryan Thomerson from Australia and local talent Phaitoon Phonbun.

Advani no longer participates in the English snooker circuit -- his only stint being from 2012 to 2014.

He chose to return home and represent the country, and in a span of two years (2014-15) amassed a record seven World titles, of which two came in back-to-back the IBSF 6 Red Championships.

Asked how he felt about his performance thus far, he replied: "I'm happy with the conditions here and feel I have more in me to do some damage. But in the short version of snooker anything is possible. It is tricky yet exciting."

IMAGE: Pankaj Advani

Photograph: Getty Images

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