IBSF World Billiards Championship| Pankaj Advani wins World title no. 22
One of Indiaâs most consistent sportspersons, Pankaj Advani, on Sunday won his fourth straight final in the 150-up format at the IBSF World Billiards Championship increasing his tally of world titles to 22. His opponent Nay Thway Oo had to settle for a silver medal for the second time in a row.
World champion Pankaj Advani increased his tally of world titles to 22 by winning a fourth straight final in the 150-up format at the IBSF World Billiards Championship at Mandalay, Myanmar, on Sunday. The 34-year-old has brought home a world trophy every year ever since returning from a professional stint in the UK in 2014.
âItâs such a touch-and-go format and so unpredictable that winning this four years on the trot and five out of the last six is extremely special,â said the champion athlete to PTI.
In a repeat of last yearâs final against local favourite Nay Thway Oo, Pankaj re-enacted the same eventual outcome as well as the one-sided identical scorelines of 6-2.
The gifted Indian was leading 3-0 at the halfway mark with the help of breaks comprising of 145, 89 and 127, while Nay Thway Oo was yet to open his account. After pulling one back with breaks of 63 and 62, Oo had to watch Pankaj continue to extend the lead. Pankaj executed his game with flair as his sheer brilliance was on display, the Myanmar crowd, home to his counterpart, couldnât help but watch on and appreciate his brilliant game.
Pankaj secured the next two frames which included a 150 unfinished break and shortly after that closed out the match. Oo was completely subdued by his accomplished opponent and had to settle for a second-place for the second consecutive year. With another trophy in the bag, Pankaj Advani extends his extraordinary run of winning a global crown since 2003. The Bengaluru-based cueist has won the most titles in his sport.
On winning a staggering 22nd world title, Pankaj added, âEvery time I participate in a world championship, one thing is clear - my motivation to excel has not diminished. This win a testament to the fact that my hunger and fire are both well and truly alive.â Pankaj will have to adjust to snooker in less than 24 hours as he competes in the IBSF World Six-Red Snooker and the World Team Snooker Championships.
Results:
Pankaj Advani (India) defeated Nay Thway Oo (Myanmar) 6-2 150(145)-4, 151(89)-66, 150(127)-50(50), 7-150(63,62), 151(50)-69(50), 150(150)-0, 133(64)-150(105), 150(74)-75(63). PTI BS BS 09151640
