Pankaj Advani Celebrates 29th World Title Victory at Billiards Championship
Pankaj Advani's Remarkable Achievement
By Sahil Kohli
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], November 2: Pankaj Advani, a 29-time world champion, has described his recent victory at the World Billiards Championship in Birmingham as one of the top three highlights of his career, emphasizing the high quality of play that characterized the tournament. Advani secured his 29th world title by defeating England's Robert Hall with a score of 1906-1206, showcasing an impressive break of 587 to clinch the win. The 41-year-old, who was the only Indian to reach the semifinals, demonstrated his skill and experience during a challenging five-hour final, further solidifying his legacy in cue sports.
After his victory, Advani expressed, “It feels amazing. Competing against the world's best players raises your own game, and that was evident throughout the week.” He added, “This win ranks among the top three in my career regarding the standard of play, and I am extremely pleased with the outcome, as I dedicated significant effort to achieve this title.”
Advani acknowledged the challenges posed by English competitors, noting their continuous improvement over the past few years. He reflected on his match against Hall, stating, “At one point, I was down by 300-320 points, and it felt hopeless. However, once I found my rhythm, I managed to make a comeback, which has been a hallmark of my career.”
He emphasized the importance of self-belief and preparation, stating, “Sometimes, things work out due to your preparation and confidence. The second session was entirely mine, but I started slowly in the first session. My strategy was to capitalize on every opportunity, but the unpredictability of the sport can be daunting.”
Advani, who has achieved remarkable success in both snooker and billiards, disagrees with the notion that cue sports are a “lazy sport” simply because they are played indoors. He highlighted the physical demands of the sport, explaining, “We engage in extensive fitness training, particularly for our upper and lower back and legs. During this championship, I played an average of five hours of billiards daily, which is mentally taxing. To maintain peak concentration, physical fitness is crucial.”
During a one-hour break in the final, while trailing, Advani focused on regaining his composure. He used eye drops to alleviate dryness and read a spiritual book while having a couple of slices of toast to refresh his mind. “I couldn’t stop thinking about my performance, but I needed to clear my head,” he shared.
After some relaxation and mental preparation, Advani felt rejuvenated and ready to tackle the second session with renewed vigor. With over two decades in India's cue sports arena, he draws inspiration from Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer, admiring not only his achievements but also his conduct off the court. “Federer exemplifies class and integrity, making him a true champion in my eyes,” he remarked.
Advani is driven by the desire to maximize his potential rather than focusing on specific tournaments. “I aim to be the best player I can be. There’s always room for learning, and I consider myself a student of the game,” he stated. He believes perfection is unattainable but strives to reach his full potential in both snooker and billiards.
He approaches each tournament with the goal of performing at his best, tailoring his training to meet the demands of each competition. “Every tournament is an opportunity to excel, and I prepare accordingly. For the World Billiards Championship, I focused on stamina and endurance, ensuring I was fit enough to compete effectively,” he explained.
Ultimately, Advani values the pursuit of excellence over merely winning titles. “Winning is a bonus, but the true victory lies in playing well and being satisfied with my performance, as I was in Birmingham,” he concluded.