His trophy cabinet is bursting with IBSF world billiards and snooker crowns and not surprisingly, the focus is now to excel on the professional snooker circuit.
At 70th, ace cueist Pankaj Advani is the highest-ranked Indian on the tour. Earlier in the week the 27-year-old Bengaluru champ sealed his berth for the Indian Open scheduled in New Delhi this October, making the cut along with Mumbaikar Aditya Mehta, at the qualifying event at the Dome, Doncaster.
The Indian Open will mark India’s maiden foray in hosting the cash-rich event and like most Indian cuesports buffs, Advani too is excited to be part of the landmark extravaganza in the country.
Advani, currently based in the UK, said, “The sport has been predominantly UK-centric. In the recent past it has starting spreading across the world and for it to finally come to India, the nation it originated in, is a big boost to our sporting culture and great news for the fans. For a change, I have to board only a domestic flight to play the tournament!”
Advani believes it’s time for Indian fans to be treated to world-class snooker fare.
“To watch top professional players participate in our country is a treat for snooker lovers. No longer is it a sport one has to be abroad to view live. Now it’s right here. Billiards has been the only cue sport that the fans have been able to enjoy for many years. It’s time snooker got its share.”
There’s always an air of expectation from fans when Advani plays on home soil and it will be no different this time. But the talented pro is prepared to handle the pressure which comes with playing in front of a home audience.
“There will obviously be expectations. I’ve dealt with it many times in billiards and have a good deal of experience performing in front of home crowds. But for me, for the first time (in a main Tour snooker) to play at home I’ll feel at home,” asserted Advani.