Yangon: Ace cueist Pankaj Advani Thursday notched up his third straight IBSF billiards crown in the 150-up format, taking his overall tally of world titles to a staggering number of 20.
The 33-year-old from Bangalore overcame Nay Thway Oo of Myanmar in a high-quality final. After bossing the ‘150-up’ format, Advani will now compete in the longer version, ‘Up’ format, which commences immediately.
Earlier, it was also a proud moment for Myanmar which saw its own player in the title round for the first time. Though, Oo did well to oust multiple World Champion Mike Russell in the semifinal with a convincing 5-2 victory, he lacked the experience of competing in a World Championship final and was denied much opportunity to reproduce the magic of his previous match.
Advani started off the final with a century break of 108. But since he wasn’t able to settle down at the top of the table, the high-scoring zone, he couldn’t reach the 150-mark of the frame, allowing his opponent on to the table.
Oo, however, did not capitalise and the Indian drew first blood. But the Myanmar cueist was determined to put up a fight and made the score 1-1 with the help of a 147 break.
The Indian pulled one back to maintain the lead with breaks of 91 and 54 to go 2-1 up. However, Oo was not going to relent and added another century to make the score two apiece.
But it was from there on that Advani went into overdrive and played with sheer dominance as he compiled four back-to-back centuries of 141, 129, 145 and 151 to stamp his authority on the contest.
“This win is extremely special for me. It’s a perfect 20 and I’m glad that I’m still hungry for more. It’s pleasing to be able to play at a quality level over the years and looking to take this tally beyond a ‘score’,” said the champion.