New Delhi: Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani bagged a historic 28th world billiards title, his seventh in a row after defeating English player Robert hall 4-2 at the IBSF World Billiards Championship in Doha on Saturday. Advani’s remarkable winning streak started back in 2016, when he bagged his first world title, and had two years (2020 and 2021) of break due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the English cueist was quick enough to take an early lead in the opening frame but the Indian ace rallied swiftly to reach the magic 150 first. Pankaj then delivered an stunning unfinished 147 break in the next frame, leaving Englishman Hall worried. The third frame was a masterclass from both the players as they displayed their tactical brilliance to the best level.
Advani wins in cerebral duel
Pankaj Advani tasted victory in the cerebral duel, positioning himself just one frame away from creating history. Hall refused to surrender quickly and kept his hopes alive with a classic 151 break in the next frame, which was the fourth one, to come back into the contest. It was double delight for Hall as he continued his superior touch in the fifth frame as well, delivering another sensational 154 break to level the pressure on his Indian opponent.
Advani’s dip in form in the fourth and fifth frame helped him come up in a stronger fashion in the sixth frame as he elevated his tactics with a crucial century break. Post a series of strategic safety exchanges between the two finalists, the Indian maestro crossed the finish line.
“It feels amazing to be on a winning streak of world billiards titles. It wasn’t easy though. The competition was tough. When I was not in full flow, it was my brother Shree, a sports psychologist, who came to the rescue. He helped me stay in the present and kept the scoreboard ticking. This win is for my country and family,” said Advani.
Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani clinched a historic 28th world billiards title after defeating English player Robert hall 4-2 in Doha. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
