Indian maestro Pankaj Advani secured an unprecedented 26th IBSF World Billiards Championship title, showcasing his exceptional skill by defeating compatriot Sourav Kothari in the final.
In a remarkable rematch from last year's title clash in Kuala Lumpur, Advani displayed his mastery with a commanding victory, outclassing Kothari 1000–416. This triumph marks Advani's 26th world title in the prestigious championship, a testament to his enduring excellence in the world of billiards.
Advani, who first claimed a world title in 2005, demonstrated his versatility by winning the 'long format' championship for the ninth time and the 'point format' for the eighth time. Additionally, he has clinched the World Team Billiards Championship once.
In the semi-finals, Advani faced fellow Indian cueist Rupesh Shah, securing a convincing 900-273 victory. The defending champion showcased his brilliance with breaks of 259 and 176, while Shah managed a 62 break in the 900-up format.
On the other side of the draw, Kothari navigated a closely contested semi-final against Dhruv Sitwala, ultimately emerging victorious with a 900-756 scoreline. Kothari's impressive breaks of 223 and 82 propelled him to the final, overcoming Sitwala's scores of 199 and 188.
Advani's consistent dominance in the world of billiards reaffirms his status as one of the sport's all-time greats. With this historic 26th title, he adds another illustrious chapter to his remarkable career, leaving an indelible mark on the IBSF World Billiards Championship.
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