Pankaj Advani creates history in Sharm El-Sheikh

Indian cueist Pankaj Advani Sunday created history by becoming the first player in the world to win world titles in the long and shorter formats of both billiards and snooker by pocketing the IBSF World 6-Red snooker Championship, in Sharm El-Shiekh, Eygpt.

Advani, India’s poster boy of cue sports, defeated Kacper Flilpiak of Poland in the final that lasted barely an hour to win his maiden 6-Red world title and ninth overall. He has now won both World snooker titles on debut — the IBSF World Snooker Championship, China and this one, the IBSF 6-Red World Snooker Championship in Egypt.

This win takes Pankaj to highest tally of world titles by any Indian cueist in the Open (Men’s) category. “This is a dream. I actually wasn’t expecting anything from this championship. For the last two months, I’ve been playing quite a bit of billiards, so to come into a world snooker championship and win it is simply unreal,” an elated Advani said after his win.  After a strong start with the aid of two 30 breaks, Pankaj went 2-0 up before the Pole clawed one back. The Indian then found himself in a spot of bother as his worthy opponent raced to a lead of 32 points with only the colours, 27 points, left on the table.

The 28-year old placed two snookers to gain 9 points from his opponent in fouls before completing the frame with a brilliant clearance.