Hyderabad: Ace Indian cueist Geet Sethi today declared himself a strong contender in the World SnookerChampionships but ruled out a smooth ride to the title.
"There are players from Thailand and others. There are
superb players and there is a lot of competition. While I am
contender for the title, it is not going to be easy," Sethi
said as the mega event got off to a grand start at the
Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) here tonight.
Sethi said he is under no pressure and, in fact, playing
in front of the home crowd is a big advantage.
"No pressure. We are professional players. We play every
day of our lives. Playing in front of the home crowd is a very
very big positive. It is great to have lot of positive energy
wanting to do well. I think that positive energy translates on
to the arena, on to the table. So it, all positive and no
negative," the veteran player explained.
India's young star Advani also admitted that competition
will be stiff but also hoped for a good result.
"I think the guys from China, UAE and Thai, the Europeans
are all very good. Thailand has always been there and Chinese
players, whatever they take up seriously, they become really
good at it. They keep winning medals. It has become routine
for them," he said.
"I am really looking forward to do well at home. I am
looking forward to give fans a reason to cheer for."
Advani said organizing the world championship would give
a boost to popularising cue sports in the country.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, November 14, 2009, 23:31