When he won his first world title, in 2003, Pankaj Advani had wondered if he had it in him to win another. Twelve years and 14 trophies later, all doubts have been erased.
Speaking at the launch function of the annual G. Raman Nair billiards tournament at the ECA premises here on Tuesday, Advani recalls his journey from being an 18-year-old who surpassed expectations by winning the 2003 IBSF World snooker championship to becoming one of India’s most acclaimed sportspersons.
The 30-year-old’s most-recent triumph — the 2015 IBSF World snooker championship, which he has won after a gap of 12 years — has given him a sense of relief. That he defeated mercurial Chinese teenager Zhao Xintong in the final, in Hurghada (Egypt) a couple of days ago, only adds to the occasion.
Joining Advani in the conversation is current Asian billiards champion and close friend, Dhruv Sitwala.
Excerpts
Advani
The emotions surrounding the victory
I cannot describe how much this means to me. When I won it in 2003, I was a junior, a nobody. I believed that that I may never win another world championship again, because competitive snooker is so unpredictable and tough.
I'm thrilled to have won again. Now, no one can point a finger at me and tell me that I did it just once. That brings a lot of relief.
The journey
I’m now comfortable in my own skin. For example, people have always said that my technique is unorthodox. But it does not matter, as long as it works.
Once this level of self-awareness is achieved, everything becomes clearer. I know my game very well — it has become easier for me to understand which shot to take on, and which to leave alone etc.
Facing Chinese sensation Xintong in the final
I knew that if I give Xintong even a small chance, he will be get back into contention. He forces you to respond with his fantastic shot-making abilities.
He was trailing early, and therefore, he felt no pressure. He began to attack everything, and he started to get on a roll. But, in the 14th frame (at this stage, Advani was leading 7-6 in the best-of-15 clash), he missed a pot on 24. He showed some frustration, for the first time. I realised that I had to pounce, and I put on a century break to finish the match.
Sitwala
Advani’s standout qualities
I have travelled with Pankaj for nearly 10 years on the circuit, and I believe that it is his calmness which makes him so successful. His emotions are always in check. Being emotional clouds your judgment, and Pankaj has the ability to automatically forget about the previous shot and focus on the present moment.
Another big asset is, of course, his hunger to succeed. Nowadays, one or two national titles is enough to kill this hunger — as you can see among some junior players. But to have the motivation to win again and again is what makes a real champion.
Comparisons to Advani
People ask me why other Indian cueists are unable to win as often as Pankaj. I tell them that Pankaj is a once-in-a-lifetime sportsperson — just like Sachin Tendulkar, Roger Federer or Michael Schumacher.
All Indian cueists, including myself, feel honoured to compete and play alongside Pankaj.
