ONGC-IBSF World Billiards Championship 2008 :: Bangalore - India

01 - 10 September 2008

Youthful exuberance prevailed over experience here at the McDowell billiards hall at the KSBA on Friday evening as the ONGC sponsored IBSF World points format billiards championship concluded to the accolades of the packed audience when the darling of Bangalore, the wonder boy of billiards , Pankaj Advani overwhelmed the Indian maestro of the "green baize" , Geet Sethi by six games to one to bag his fifth cue sports world title at the raw age of 23, a feat unmatched in any sport on the firmament of the nation. As the scores suggest it turned out to be a one sided contest eventually. In the match between two "Khel Ratna Awardees" the highest form of sporting recognition in India, Pankaj won by 150-90, 151-00, 150-24, 150- 00, 86-150, 150-72 and 150-12 points.

The summit clash started on a scrappy note with both the players taking time to settle down. Pankaj fired the first salvo as he fired in a 79 on way to clinch the first game and then taking advantage of an off - colour opponent, he furthered his lead to 2-0 with a superb 145 in the second game. Normally this should have roused Geet but he just could not get going, every now and then getting out of position. Capitalizing on these lapses by his rival, Pankaj made the most out of the situation to strike a break of 90 for a 3-0 lead.

Things were looking ominous as Pankaj was by now in sublime touch. On a roll, his cue delivery, his rhythmic style and his timing of the strokes was so well coordinated that scoring became an automation, the points coming naturally, as if programmed. Suddenly there was an aura about the youngster, so uniquely divine, yet practical. Playing copy- book billiards he seemed to be in a trance. The trance ending only when he had consumed four games, and more , as if some divinity had descended upon him to inspire and guide. Chalking up an immaculate 150 in the fourth, Pankaj was now in such a mood that to expect any concession would be stupid.

Pankaj's critics have commented on his high arm faulty action, a boat action . What they do not realize that unlike in snooker, the cue action is not so important in billiards. Without discounting on the merits of the stance or the swing of the cue in billiards it is the fluency, the rhythmic movement of the cue and the final delivery which is crucial.

Pankaj in the fourth looked the part and Geet sadly was just not there. Without doubt it was a real uphill task for the maestro hereafter. His task was cut out and for the sake of the sport and the audience , once again he had to produce his class under pressure. He had done it in the past but looking at the situation dispassionately, it was going to be one hell of an ask from Geet, especially to repeat the incredible show which he put up only yesterday. The effort of the victory over Joshi in the semis took its toll.

Today belonged to the youngster, Pankaj who looked all set to clinch the issue quickly after resumption did so and how very convincingly. It was a comprehensive victory for a player who is on the ascendancy. Geet was all grace and praise for the modest local hero who has shown that if winning is important what is more important is to carry it well on your shoulders. They say "uneasy lies the head on which the crown rests" but at least for Pankaj it may safely be said that the future of Indian billiards is in safe hands, his head squarely placed and firmly on his shoulders, for if anything stands out more than his title winning effort then it is his humility. May it grow and never die out as is the wont of lesser mortals for as is well known " Pride comes before a fall " Amen.

Resuming from a position of strength, Pankaj continuing in the same vein began the fifth game confidently but when having made a 86 break he missed out on a thin in-off of the white into the top left pocket hitting it slightly thick. Sensing a good chance when it comes to him, Geet steadily scored ten hazards, 8 of the red and 2 of the white and then went about his task to reconstruct a shaken citadel and what he way he did it.

True to his character which is best illustrated when in adversity, Geet crafted a flawless 150 break to reduce the deficit to 1-4. The great fight back once again began although not ending on a winning note for Geet, but the resilience of Geet was there for everyone to see. Having produced incredible billiards yesterday it would be have been unfair to expect even the great Geet to repeat.

CSI Correspondent - I S Malik