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Rediff.com  » Sports » Record-breaking World Billiards champion Advani 'in seventh heaven'

Record-breaking World Billiards champion Advani 'in seventh heaven'

Last updated on: October 25, 2014 14:14 IST
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Pankaj Advani is in seventh heaven after adding yet another world title to his kitty following his World Billiards Championship triumph in the 150-up points format.

India's cue sports champion trounced Singapore's Peter Gilchrist 6-2 in the final to pocket his 11th World crown on Friday.

The final scoreline read: 23-151 (145 unfinished), 151 (127)-16, 116-150, 151(108 unfinished)-104, 150(150 unfinished)-0, 151(118)-58, 150-4, 150(77 unfinished)-145(104)

Pankaj Advani"I'm in seventh heaven! I returned to India to focus on this very event and it has paid off.

"Gilchrist was the most dangerous competitor in the tournament and in a dream final. I am happy with the way I performed," said an elated Advani after clinching the title in the shorter format of the sport.

Advani had lost to Gilchrist in the league stage 2-3, but seemed determined to avenge the defeat in his most crucial match of the tournament.

In 2014, Advani has won three different world titles:  the IBSF World 6-Red Snooker, World Team Billiards and World Billiards Championship (points format), an unprecedented record in itself.

With little time to celebrate as the 'Time' format starts on Saturday, Advani is keeping his emotions in check to concentrate on the task at hand.

"The job is only half done. I have to now focus on the longer format and try for a double. I have a match at noon tomorrow, so celebrations will have to wait. But no complaints," said the 29-year-old Bangalore cueist.

Opting out of the professional snooker circuit in the UK, Advani chose to return to India to focus on billiards along with snooker (as opposed to only snooker) and represent India in all the majors, a decision that proved right yet again.

Image: Pankaj Advani

Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

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