Advani leads campaign

India start favourites at Asian billiards from today

Leading their challenge will be defending champion Pankaj Advani, who apart from the added pressure of retaining the title, will have a lot to prove after going through a topsy-turvy 2010.

At one point the owner simultaneously of the World Professional and IBSF (points and time format) crowns as well as the National snooker and billiards titles, the young prodigy has only the National snooker crown in his possession now, leaving many wondering if his air of invincibility is on the wane.

But just when critics began to write him off, the Bangalorean stamped his class in stunning fashion, landing India’s first gold medal (billiards) at the Asian Games in Guangzhou last November.

Despite getting an automatic ticket as the defending champion for the Iran event, Advani took part in the selections trials as a tune-up, finishing first in some style.

"In sports, one cannot continuously win or continuously lose," Advani told Deccan Herald.
"I think I’ve reached a stage where I don’t have to prove anything to anybody. It’s obvious that I can’t win every time I turn up for an event. Having said that, I definitely will give it my best shot and play with an intention to win. I’ve practised hard in the last few months and am confident of doing well.

Tough and unpredictable

"The tournament is very tough and unpredictable. The 100-up format is very tricky and challenging. You need just one good visit every frame. It’s extremely quick, exciting and fun to play. It’s hard to pick anyone as favourite because players with even reasonable consistency can catch you by surprise," added Advani, who will be gunning for his fourth straight crown.

Apart from Advani, India will be boosted by the likes of veteran Geet Sethi, Dhruv Sitwala and Alok Kumar in the April 9-14 tournament. Multiple World champion Sethi and billiards exponent Sitwala will fancy their chances while a re-energised Alok will look carry on his wonderful run of form dating back to the National billiards championship last August.

A perfect all-rounder, Alok made history in Ludhiana last month when he became the first player to capture all National cue-sports titles after winning the 8-ball pool crown.
Most of the Indians have an easy passage to the knockout quarterfinal stage with only Sethi -- grouped along with Peter Gilchrist in Pool A -- having a slightly trick draw.

Chitra leads challenge

Two-time champion Chitra Magimairaj will lead India’s challenge in the WLBSA World billiards and snooker championship that kicked off at Bury St Edmunds, United Kingdom on Friday.

Chitra will be accompanied by fellow Karnataka cueist Uma Devi Nagaraj, who is making an appearance after an eight-year gap, in the championship that runs until April 13.