After conquering the World, Asian and the Indian
billiards crown, Pankaj Advani annexed the Australian Open title on
Saturday.
Pankaj beat compatriot Dhruv Sitwala 6-1. On
Tuesday, the 22-year-old was given a warm welcome by his home club,
Karnataka State Billiards Association.
On the championship Pankaj said,
"It was a good championship. The conditions
were very player friendly. Winning on debut is definitely special.
There were quite a few good players. They had an edge over the
Indians because played the time format tournament, which could not
participate in."
Talking about the semifinals he said,
"The semifinals was a god match. Matthew
Bolton was playing exceptionally well. I had to bring out the best
in myself to beat him."
Speaking on the occasion, M.C. Uthappa,
vice-president, KSBA said, "It is an amazing
win for a Indian on debut at the Australian Open and he has made the
country proud."