Advani quells Lucky challenge to win title

In a pulsating final, Advani brought all his experience and mental strength to the fore in ekeing out a hard-fought 6-5 (76-22, 71-68, 93-0, 27-71, 23-96, 4-83, 55-45, 74-16, 22-68, 29-84, 58-11) win over Vatnani for his fourth consecutive crown.

Advani, who marched into the final with three 100-plus breaks, showed he was still the man to beat despite his slump in the last month. He quickly raced away to a 3-0 lead but when he appeared in cruise mode, the Bangalorean was in for a rude shock.

Showing no signs of pressure, Vatnani went on to win the next three frames to set up an exciting tussle. Advani then pulled clear to a 5-3 lead before Vatnani revealed his fighting qualities once again.

Calm and composed, the Hyderbadi won the ninth and tenth frames to push the contest into a decider. Advani summoned all his experience to win the 11th frame as well as the title.

Result (final): Pankaj Advani bt Lucky Vatnani 6-5 (76 (56)-22, 71 (64)-68 (38), 93 (80)-0, 27-71, 23-96 (46, 33), 4-83 (61), 55-45, 74-16, 22-68, 29-84 (45), 58-11).