Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani clinched a historic 28th world title, seventh in a row, defeating England’s Robert Hall 4-2 at the IBSF World Billiards Championship in Doha. Advani’s winning streak began in 2016 and has also survived two years (2020, 2021) of vacuum created by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today lauded Pankaj Advani on being crowned Billiards Champion at World Billiards Championships 2024 as a phenomenal accomplishment. In a post on X, he wrote: “Phenomenal accomplishment! Congratulations to you. Your dedication, passion and commitment are outstanding. You have time and again demonstrated what excellence is. Your success will also keep inspiring upcoming athletes”.
This victory marks his seventh consecutive world championship win, solidifying his position as a dominant force in the sport.
Hall took an early lead in the opening frame, but Advani rallied to reach the magic 150 first. He then delivered an astonishing unfinished 147 break in the second frame, leaving Hall stunned. The third frame was a masterclass in tactical brilliance from both finalists. Advani emerged victorious in the cerebral duel, positioning himself just one frame away from making history.
However, Hall refused to bow out quietly, crafting a flawless 151 break in the fourth frame to keep his hopes alive. The fifth frame saw Hall on fire once more, delivering another stunning 154 break to level the pressure on Advani.
But the Bengaluru man elevated his game in the sixth frame with a crucial century break. After a series of strategic safety exchanges, the Indian maestro crossed the finish line.
As per agencies input, Advani shared about the win, “It feels amazing to be on a winning streak of world billiards titles. It wasn’t easy though. The competition was tough. When I was not in full flow, it was my brother Shree, a sports psychologist, who came to the rescue. He helped me stay in the present and kept the scoreboard ticking. This win is for my country and family.”
Score (Final): Pankaj Advani (India) beat Robert Hall (England): 151(71)-94(87), 151(147)-0, 150-84, 74(74)-151(151), 6-154(154), 152(105)-46.
Advani has already been declared many a times “Winners” of 2023 for Doha (Long-Up); 2022 Doha (150-Up); 2022 Kuala Lumpur (150-Up); 2019 Mandalay (150-Up); 2018 Yangon (150-Up); 2018 Yangon (Long-Up); 2017 Doha (150-Up); 2017 Doha (Long-Up); 2016 India (150-Up); 2015 Adelaide (timed); 2014 England (timed); 2014 England (150-up); 2012 England (timed); 2008 Bangalore (timed); 2008 Bangalore (points); 2007 Singapore (timed); 2005 Malta (timed); 2005 Malta (points); and, many a times runner-up also.
Advani boasts of nine Asian billiards title victories since 2005, and has won the event in the last two editions. He has also ruled the table in snooker, winning the Asian titles in 2016, 2019 and 2021, along with a team title in 2017. While he has enjoyed success over the years, he always tries to remain grounded and focused as he understands the unpredictable nature of the sport.
As per a reliable source, in 1971, after many years’ discussion, the World Billiards & Snooker Council was formed, changing its name in 1973 to the International Billiards & Snooker Federation. The name change came about because of the disquiet of many overseas national associations that the same body should oversee both the English domestic game and the game at the international level. Consequently, the IBSF took control of the organization of the non-professional championships of both snooker and billiards. The first winner from outside the British Commonwealth did not occur until 1999.
From 2012 to 2015, the IBSF World Billiards Championship was merged with the World Professional Billiards Championship. Under the name World Billiards Championship, tournaments were held in both points and timed format.
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