<p>The Karnataka trio of Advani, Chitra Magimairaj and Indira Gowda are among 14 cueists in the National squad which will leave for Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday morning.<br />Refreshed following time away from the sport after his billiards-snooker double at the Agra Nationals, Advani said he was looking forward to the major event. <br /><br />“It’s a huge responsibility to lead the team. I know a lot of hopes are pinned on me, but I’m only human,” Advani said on Tuesday. “I am very confident following my recent performances, but I have not forced myself to practice too much.”<br /><br />Advani, who will be taking part in billiards, snooker and recent rage 6-red snooker, was realistic when he spoke of India’s chances.<br /><br />“We are certainly a force to reckon with, but the competition is good, too. That it’s a knockout tournament makes things harder. We should be able to bring home four to five medals,” said the seven-time world champion. Former world ladies billiards champion Chitra looked to draw inspiration from her runner-up performance at the recently concluded Australian Open women’s snooker championship after a disappointing show at the Agra Nationals.<br /><br />“The quaterfinal defeat at the snooker Nationals is something I would like to lock up in my closet,” said Chitra. “Post Australia, I will be taking a lot of positives into this tournament.”<br /><br />Chitra will take part in 6-red snooker. “The South East Asian competition is something we will watch out for, but my biggest challenge should be Vidya Pillai. I hope I don’t get to face her before the final. I’m glad to be taking part in snooker, I prefer it to pool anyday.”<br />The 32-year-old Indira was the surprise package at the Nationals by making the 9-ball pool quarterfinals, and her consistency at the selection trials earned her a spot in the national squad.<br /><br />“I have been working hard on my game, I have learnt a lot in the past couple of months,” said Indira. “There is a lot of pressure on me to perform but I’m focused and will give it my best.<br /><br />“I am mentally prepared to face all the hurdles but there is no guarantee for success in a tournament of this nature,” she added.<br /></p>
<p>The Karnataka trio of Advani, Chitra Magimairaj and Indira Gowda are among 14 cueists in the National squad which will leave for Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday morning.<br />Refreshed following time away from the sport after his billiards-snooker double at the Agra Nationals, Advani said he was looking forward to the major event. <br /><br />“It’s a huge responsibility to lead the team. I know a lot of hopes are pinned on me, but I’m only human,” Advani said on Tuesday. “I am very confident following my recent performances, but I have not forced myself to practice too much.”<br /><br />Advani, who will be taking part in billiards, snooker and recent rage 6-red snooker, was realistic when he spoke of India’s chances.<br /><br />“We are certainly a force to reckon with, but the competition is good, too. That it’s a knockout tournament makes things harder. We should be able to bring home four to five medals,” said the seven-time world champion. Former world ladies billiards champion Chitra looked to draw inspiration from her runner-up performance at the recently concluded Australian Open women’s snooker championship after a disappointing show at the Agra Nationals.<br /><br />“The quaterfinal defeat at the snooker Nationals is something I would like to lock up in my closet,” said Chitra. “Post Australia, I will be taking a lot of positives into this tournament.”<br /><br />Chitra will take part in 6-red snooker. “The South East Asian competition is something we will watch out for, but my biggest challenge should be Vidya Pillai. I hope I don’t get to face her before the final. I’m glad to be taking part in snooker, I prefer it to pool anyday.”<br />The 32-year-old Indira was the surprise package at the Nationals by making the 9-ball pool quarterfinals, and her consistency at the selection trials earned her a spot in the national squad.<br /><br />“I have been working hard on my game, I have learnt a lot in the past couple of months,” said Indira. “There is a lot of pressure on me to perform but I’m focused and will give it my best.<br /><br />“I am mentally prepared to face all the hurdles but there is no guarantee for success in a tournament of this nature,” she added.<br /></p>
