One of India's most consistent sportspersons, Pankaj Advani, on Sunday increased his tally of world titles to 22 by winning a fourth straight final in the 150-up format at the IBSF World Billiards Championship here.
The 34-year-old has brought home a world trophy every year ever since returning from a professional stint in the UK in 2014.
In the short format of billiards, this isPankaj's fifth title in the last six years.
"It's such a touch-and-go format and so unpredictable that winning these four years on the trot and five out of the last six is extremely special," said the champion athlete.
In a repeat of last year's final against local favorite NayThway Oo, Pankaj re-enacted the one-sided match with the same eventual outcomeas well as identical shorelines of 6-2.
From the word go, Pankaj was in full flow. The gifted Indianwas leading 3-0 at the halfway mark with the help of fluent breaks comprisingof 145, 89 and 127, while Nay Thway Oo was yet to open his account.
With another trophy in the bag, Advani extends hisremarkable run of winning a global crown since 2003.
The Bengaluru-based cueist has won more world titles in hissport than anyone else.
On winning a staggering 22nd world title, Pankaj added,"Every time I participate in a world championship, one thing is clear – mymotivation to excel has not diminished. This win a testament to the fact thatmy hunger and fire are both well and truly alive."
Pankaj has to adjust to snooker in less than 24 hours as he competes in the IBSF World Six-Red Snooker and the World Team Snooker Championships.
