Pankaj Advani Achieves Historic National Pool Double in Debut Appearance
In a stunning display of versatility and skill, Pankaj Advani, the Bengaluru-based cue sports legend, has once again rewritten the record books. At the age of 40, Advani made his debut at the national pool championship in Ludhiana last week and emerged victorious in both the 9-ball and 10-ball events. This remarkable feat comes despite his limited competitive experience in pool, marking a significant milestone in an already illustrious career.
A Late-Career Breakthrough Defying Expectations
Advani's triumph is particularly intriguing given its timing. Most athletes at this stage in their careers tend to focus on maintaining their legacy, but Advani continues to push boundaries by embracing new challenges. His success in pool is not merely another trophy to add to his collection of 28 world titles in billiards and snooker; it is a powerful testament to his ability to evolve and excel across different disciplines of cue sports.
Reflecting on his achievement, Advani described it as one of his finest moments in the sport. "At the national level, this is right up there — one of my best achievements in cue sports. I've never played competitive pool," he stated in an interview. He attributed his late entry into pool to concerns about it affecting his performance in billiards and snooker, noting the significant differences between the formats.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing the Underdog Role
The transition to pool presented unique obstacles. Unlike billiards and snooker, which share similarities in table and equipment, pool involves different ball sizes, pocket dimensions, and shot angles. Advani admitted that winning both titles in his first attempt was beyond his wildest dreams. "To do it in my first attempt, and then win a double, not just one, I could never imagine in my wildest dreams that this would happen," he expressed.
Circumstances surrounding the championship made his victory even more remarkable. Advani arrived in Punjab with no specific preparation and only familiarized himself with the table upon arrival. Additionally, he was coming off a rare early exit from a national snooker event, which fueled his determination. "When a sportsperson gets beaten, you always want to come back stronger," he explained, adding that the disappointment provided him with extra intent and resolve.
Interestingly, the absence of pressure played a crucial role in his success. For once, Advani was not the favorite to win, surrounded by seasoned pool specialists. "You have no idea how relieved it feels to enter a championship as an underdog," he reflected. This lack of expectation allowed him to compete freely, without the burden of defending a title.
Future Prospects and a New Dimension to His Career
Looking ahead, Advani's packed schedule raises questions about his future involvement in pool. While he may not participate in every event, he expressed interest in competing in a few major tournaments. "I don't think I'll be able to play every pool event, but I would love to play a couple of the big ones," he said.
This unexpected success has added a fresh dimension to Advani's career, bringing him closer to the rare status of a true all-rounder in cue sports, akin to veterans like Alok Kumar. "Definitely a new dimension," Advani acknowledged, highlighting how this achievement enriches his legacy and showcases his enduring passion for the sport.
