India might not have a significant fan following in Snooker. But, the stars are making the headlines for all the right reasons to make the country proud.
Thanks to India’s ace cueist Pankaj Advani. He clinched the 35th men’s Asian Snooker Championship to finish off a career grand slam in cue sports.
Yes, Advani conquered the ACBS Asian Snooker events – 6-red (short format) and 15-red (long format) including IBSF World Championships in both formats too.
Advani got the better of Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon 6-3 in the final to become the only one player to win the Asian and World Championships in all formats.
Interestingly, he is also the only one to accomplish the feat in two sports, both billiards and snooker.
“With this title, I’ve done everything I could when representing my country in both the sports. This win completes my trophy cabinet so I now know I will be sleeping well for a very long time.” Advani said.
“Having won all that there is, I’d like to continue competing with the objective of deriving personal growth through the medium of sport and to also share my knowledge with budding cueists.
“I’m now going to enter every championship to enjoy my game while at the same time focus on other areas of my life too.”
After a shoddy start against Thanawat, Advani found himself with a setback.
At 1-3, the Indian went into overdrive and then won 5 frames in a row to capture the Asian 15-red snooker title.
Thanawat gave a good start leading 2-0 in no time. However, Advani replied with a 54 break to make it 1-2 but the Thai player was in no mood to give up as he put up a strong fight.
He then came up with a 75 break and reached the halfway mark with 3 frames in his pocket.
Advani responded pretty well and drew it at 3-3 and soon after that, Thanawat lost his sheen and confidence to only see his 21-time world champion opponent go past the finishing line.
Pankaj is now geared up to participate IBSF World Cup which is scheduled to be held next week in Doha.
Results:
Final:
Pankaj Advani (India) outsmarts Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon 6-3
10-52, 1-97(97), 95(54)-1, 110(75)-1, 69-43, 71(60)-44, 80-49, 72-42, 67(50)-1