Advani, Sethi confident of good show in World Snooker

New Delhi: Their disappointing show at the recent Asian Indoor Games notwithstanding, ace Indian cueists Pankaj Advani and Geet Sethi are optimistic of putting up a

good show in front of the home crowd at the World Snooker Championship in Hyderabad. Pankaj will spearhead the Indian challenge in the Men`s event hoping to lift the trophy for the second time after his 2003 title triumph in China, while Sethi would look to win the Masters` trophy, when the tournament commences on November 15. "There will be certain pressure on us to perform well in front of the home crowd with expectations riding high as this is a world championship with some best players vying for the honour, but at the same time we are confident to put up a good show and lift the coveted trophy," reigning world billiards champion Advani told reporters. "I have won all the major titles in my career expect this. I am confident to win it this time and I`m ready to give my best shot," Sethi told reporters, who played an important role in bringing the tournament to the country. "Last year, I had lost in the final of the Masters` event and this time I would certainly like to exploit the home advantage as this championship is happening in India after a gap of 22 years," added the eight-time world billiards champion. Both Advani and Sethi also admitted that cueist from China, England and Australia would pose a strong challenge for the Indian contingent in the tournament to be held at Hyderabad International Convention Centre. "Chinese, English and Australian players would present a tough challenge for us and the knock-out stage will be very crucial to carry forward the challenge. As this is a World Championship, fierce competition will be there with some great names participating," said Advani. "The Thai players are also in fine touch. But the Indian contingent is equally good and tough and we have some promising young talents in the fray," said Sethi. Sethi voiced his concern over the fact that despite being strong contender in world snooker arena, India has not been able to taste much success yet. "You need to be consistent in your game. This is the advice that I give especially to the budding players. They are good and promising but have not shown that world-beater instinct," he said. Bureau Report