Pankaj Advani wins Asian Billiards Championship for the eighth time

Doha: Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani lifted his eighth title at the 19th Asian Billiards Championship 2022 in Doha, Qatar after beating compatriot Dhruv Sitwala 6-2 on Saturday.

This is Advani’s 24th international title and 8th Asian crown.

Against two-time Asian Billiards champion, Sitwala, Advani won the first frame before following it up with a smooth century break to extend the lead to 2-0.

In the third frame, Advani opened up an 84-14 lead and went up three frames to nil and resorted to white pot at 87 and positioned it well for a red in-off the



spot.

Sitwala fought back and pulled one back when his famed opponent missed a red early in the frame. He came up with an 82 break to reduce the lead.

Advani won the fifth frame to establish a 4-1 lead and stormed ahead to take the sixth too.

Sitwala capitalized on a miss by his countryman to take the seventh frame before Advani re-focussed to capture the eighth frame despite an impressive break by his opponent for a 6-2 triumph.

Earlier, Advani had held off the stiff challenge of Pauk Sa of Myanmar to secure a spot in the final.