BILLIARDS Advani captures 17th world crown

New Delhi, Nov. 12: Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani clinched his 17th world title, beating archrival Mike Russell of England in the IBSF World Billiards Championship in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday.

Advani beat Russell 6-2 (0-155, 150-128, 92-151, 151-0, 151-6, 151-0, 150-58, 150-21) to defend the 150up format title he had won in Bengaluru last year.

The Indian did not have an ideal start to the best-of-11 summit clash as Russell drew first blood with a well-crafted break of 155.

Advani drew parity in the next frame but was still short of his best. The Englishman bounced back with breaks of 84 and 67 to win the third frame.

From the fourth frame Advani, winner of maximum number of world titles in any sport by an Indian, was a transformed player.

He increased his total gradually, clinically constructing lethal breaks of 151, 151, 151, 145 and 110 to win over his longstanding rival.

Earlier in the tournament, Advani had overcome compatriot Rupesh Shah in the semi-finals 5-2, while Russell got the better of Singapore’s Peter Gilchrist 5-1.

Advani will be eyeing a “Grand Double” in the lengthier format (longup) of the IBSF World Billiards Championship 2017, which commences from Monday at the same venue.

From the fourth frame Advani, winner of maximum number of world titles in any sport by an Indian, was a transformed player