Pankaj Advani lifts IBSF World Billiards Championship

Pankaj Advani clinched his 17th world title yesterday at Doha after thrashing his arch-rival Mike Russell of England 6-2 to defend the 150-up format title which he won in Bengaluru last year.

Advani, winner of maximum number of world titles in any sport by an Indian, earlier in the



semi-finals overcome fellow Indian Rupesh Shah 5-2, while Russell got the better of Singapore's Peter Gilchrist 5-1.

Advani will be eyeing a 'Grand Double' as the lengthier format (long-up) of the IBSF World Billiards Championship 2017 begins today at Doha.