KSBA felicitates Pankaj Advani

Bangalore, April 17, 2012: On returning home to Bangalore, seven time world champion Pankaj Advani was felicitated by the Karnataka State Billiards Association in recognition of his historic win at the Asian billiards championship in Goa. Adding to his long list of achievements, Pankaj Advani became the first cueist to win 5 Asian titles after he defeated Thawat Sujaritthuarkarn of Thailand, 6 games to 3 in the final of the Asian championship earlier this month.

The 'Golden Boy' of India bagged yet another memorable victory in Goa that makes the Nation swells with pride. Being one of India's most celebrated athletes, the young cueist had earlier won the Asian Billiards Championships in 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2005.

On being felicitated by the KSBA, young Advani, who was very grateful to start the year with a victory said, "Winning a title is not my individual achievement alone, but the result of the help and support of many people who have worked tirelessly. My brother Shree Advani has helped me a lot with my mental preparations. He has taught me to think right, and overcome mental barriers. I would also like to thank my coach Arvind Savur who has been a great guiding force for me. If not for him, I would not have improved as quickly."

Praising one of India's most successful cueists, KSBA president MC Uthappa said, "He (Pankaj) already has to his credit many titles - 7 world titles, 5 Asian titles, 2 Asian Games gold medals, 2 Australian Open titles, and 22 National Titles. With each passing year he is inching towards the 100 mark. This felicitation ceremony is to reiterate his achievements and a token of appreciation from us. We wish him the best of luck for his next tournament."

Thanking the KSBA for their support Pankaj Advani said, "KSBA is my second home. This is a wonderful place to hone your skills. Should the younger players need any advice or assistance from seniors like Bhaskar or me, we are always there." Addressing the media he said, "Thank you for your support and for backing me through good and some not so good performances. Your support to the sport can really make a difference to all the youngsters."

In a clash of the best in the finals of the Asian billiards championships, the sport's poster boy Pankaj Advani had the packed audience on their toes; trailing 1 - 2 before leveling scores and eventually winning the title with a score-line of 6 games to 3 in the finals. Pankaj scored 4 century breaks through the course of the finals to pocket this historical win. On the road to history, Pankaj defeated Thailand's Parput 4 games to 3 in the semi finals and also outwitted Peter Gilchrist of Singapore in the quarterfinals 5 games to 2.

Photo caption: LC Uthappa, president, Karnataka State Billiards Association felicitates Pankaj Advani in

Bangalore on April 17, 2012. 

A Press release