JOIN USEight-time world champion Pankaj Advani staved off a stiff challenge from Rupesh Shah before prevailing 3-2 in the decider to win the PSPB Snooker and Billiards Championship, here on Friday.
Representing ONGC, Advani was in fine form as he whitewashed Manan Chandra (BPCL) and Aditya Mehta (IOC) 3-0 each in the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively, before setting up a title clash against colleague Shah in the snooker event.
Advani won in the ultimate frame of the best-of-5-final with breaks of 69 in the third frame and 63 in the decider of the match.
A dream clash between India’s top two professionals, Advani and Mehta set up what was to be a mouthwatering semis match for the fans at the Gujarat Sports Club.
However, it was a one-sided affair as the more experienced campaigner from Bangalore prevailed with a 3-0 verdict.
In the billiards event, Devendra Joshi of BPCL won the singles title, defeating Shah of ONGC 3-1 in the final.The team events will begin from Friday.
Results: Snooker: Final: Pankaj Advani (ONGC) bt Rupesh Shah (ONGC) 3-2: 49-62, 60-8, 78(69)-48, 1-64(63), 70(63)-18. Billiards: Final: Devendra Joshi (BPCL) bt Rupesh Shah (ONGC) 3-1.