Bangalore: India's ace cueist Pankaj Advani, who realised his dream of winning the World Professional Billiards, has no plans to turn a pro in snooker.
"I love billiards. It is very satisfying. I want to enjoy
my game. I don't want to play in England for nine months. My
decision may disappoint those who want me to win professional
snooker title too", the 24-year old local lad said here today.
He pulled off a stunning 2030-1253 win over nine-time
winner Mike Russell of Qatar in the finals in Leeds, UK, on
Sunday to clinch the coveted trophy.
Advani, who notched up his first ever professional
billiards title, said that at Leeds he was tested in all
departments of the game as he was playing under different
conditions.
He said he had a tough draw as he had to face veteran
cuiest Geeth Sethi, the only other Indian to have won the
title in the championship history. "I had the task cut out. It
is a two-hour game. Anything can happen any moment.
Quarterfinal and Semifinal were close," he said.
"I managed to hold my nerve well. I kept my cool. A good
start up was my aim as Mike wants time to warm up", he said on
his mood while preparing for the final.
On the huge victory margin, Advani said he never expected
it. "I am not bothered by how much margin I win. Whether I win
or lose, I just want to play my game".
"In billiards it is consistency that matterred than big
breaks", he said in reply to a question.
Advani said he had a tough draw as he had to face veteran
cuiest Geeth Sethi, the only other Indian to have won the
title in the championship history.
"I had the task cut out. It is a two-hour game. Anything
can happen any moment. Quarterfinal and Semifinal were close,"
he said.
"I managed to hold my nerve well. I kept my cool. A good
start was my aim as Mike needs time to warm up," he added.
Asked about his huge victory margin, Advani said, "I am
not bothered by how much margin I win. Whether I win or lose,
I just want to play my game. In billiards it is consistency
that matters than big breaks."
Advani said he was willing to join any initiative to
promote the game at professional level and help those learning
by giving tips but ruled out taking up coaching as his
profession, saying, "I am still a student of the game".
When asked whether he suggested any format changes in
billiards and snooker games, in a lighter vein, Advani
quipped, "yes. The dress code should change. I can wear jacket
and play".
"I am the ambassador of the country. Have to bring more
laurels. I want to play the game. That brings me motivation,"
he added.
KSBA, which nurtured Advani's talent, presented him with
a cheque for Rs 50,000 as a token of appreciation and a life
membership card.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, September 08, 2009, 20:29