Advani creates history

Ace-cueist claims 12th world title to complete triple double

Owner of plenty of records in a stellar career, Pankaj Advani added another feat to the list after clinching the World Billiards Championship (time format) to complete a historic third ‘grand double’ at Leeds, United Kingdom, on Wednesday.

Just five days after vanquishing Peter Gilchrist to win the points format title, the 29-year-old Bangalorean brushed aside Englishman Robert Hall 1928-893 in a lop-sided five-hour final to wear the long format crown as well.

“This win is truly special,” said Advani, and termed it as a birthday gift for his mother, Kajal. “Apart from one dozen world titles and the third grand double, the main reason for it being so special is because it was won on my mother's birthday. She is my rock. Happy birthday Mom! Hope you like your present.

“I don't know what to say. The way I feel makes words seem incapable of truly depicting it. I worked really hard on my game and fitness, both physical and mental before coming here (to Leeds) and it definitely has paid off.

I'm on my way to Sheffield to get billiards out of my system and switch to snooker in order to prepare for the IBSF World Snooker Championship happening next month in Bangalore,” added Advani, clearly showing his intent in what has been a spectacular season with three world (individual) titles.

What makes the 12th world title very special is that Advani has become the first cueist to win three ‘grand-doubles’ -- winning both points and time format titles -- following his twin triumphs at Malta (2005) and Bangalore (2008), surpassing the legendary Mike Russell, one of the best billiards players ever.

Knowing that he was just one step away from scaling another pinnacle, Advani started the final in blistering fashion as he floored Hall with consistent visits to the green baize. Showing no effects of the nerve-shredding semifinal win against David Causier where he sneaked home by just five points, Advani ended the opening session of 2-1/2 hours with a handy 746-485 lead.

There was no looking back for the Bangalorean from then on as he stepped an the accelerator in typically ruthless fashion, reducing Hall to a mere spectator. Just going through motions for the last 90 minutes, Hall simply surrendered to the brilliance of the Bangalorean. “With a 260-point lead in the first half, I knew I had things under control.

 But Hall has the ability to come back so I decided that I was going to score as much as possible on each visit to try and extend that advantage I had at the halfway mark. I spoke with my brother Shree during the interval as he was following the match online. A couple of tips from him did the trick too,” added Advani.

Result: Pankaj Advani bt Robert Hall (Eng) 1928 (63, 185, 85, 92, 123, 94, 182, 289, 145, 94, 93, 59, 58, 62, 90)-893 (89, 64, 64, 86, 92, 64).