Relieved Advani says he can now play in peace

Leeds, Sep 7 (PTI) Having achieved the only laurel that
was missing in his cupboard, newly crowned world professional
billiard champion Pankaj Advani says he can now play in peace.

The 24-year-old pulled off an upset win over nine-time
champions Mike Russell and looked relieved after winning his
first professional billiard title of his career.

"It's always tough winning any world championship, simply
because you have to beat the best in the business," he said,
as he prepared to leave for India.

"It's a great feeling and I can now play in peace because
no body would come and tell me that I have not won a
professional billiard title," the soft-spoken cueist said.

Advani became only the second Indian, after Geet Sethi,
to win the coveted title and the Khel Ratna awardee said it
was a special feeling.

"Records are meant to be broken but when you think that
you are only the second Indian to achieve it, it makes the
feeling all the more special," he said.

With this triumph, the five-time IBSF World Billiards
champion Advani ensured he has won all the major world titles.
PTI SHN
SDE