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Pankaj Advani wins 6-Red Snooker World Cup

September 21, 2021 23:45 IST

Advani defeats Pakistan's Babar Masih in the final of the IBSF 6-Red Snooker World Cup for his 24th World crown.

India's Pankaj Advani receives winner's trophy from IBSF President Mubarak Al-Khayarin in Doha on Tuesday.

IMAGE: India's Pankaj Advani receives winner's trophy from IBSF President Mubarak Al-Khayarin in Doha on Tuesday. Photograph: IBSF/Twitter

India's all-conquering cueist Pankaj Advani won his 24th World title on Tuesday when he triumphed in the IBSF 6-Red Snooker World Cup with victory over Pakistan's Babar Masih in the final, in Doha.

 

Advani, who won his 11th Asian title last week, started the final with a comfortable 42-13 victory in the opening frame. Babar drew parity by winning the second 38-14.

In the third frame, Advani committed a foul that only he knew he had committed, but the 36-year-old went on to win the third and fourth frames in quick succession to go 3-1 up.

The Pakistani cueist, in no mood to play second fiddle to his worthy opponent, crafted a wonderful 56 break to bridge the gap.

Advani shifted gears and took the next three to be one frame away from getting his hands on his 24th World winner's trophy.

However, Babar took the match to a precarious situation by winning the next three frames with a strong response.

At 6-5, it was touch and go. Babar had found his touch and Advani had more to lose at this point being within striking distance of the finish line. But a classy 32 break from the cue of the multiple World champion put paid to Babar's hopes.

Advani ensured a clean slate of wins over the last fortnight in Qatar across two international championships - Asian Snooker and 6-red Snooker World Cup.

"I am living a dream. Being away from the table for so long, these two back-to-back triumphs assure me that my hunger and competitive skills haven't diminished," Advani said.

"Very fortunate to win both, as I am aware there is still a lot of work to put into my game once I return. Happy to return home tomorrow with two gold medals for my country."

Earlier, in the day, Advani got the better of the Asian snooker finalist Amir Sarkhosh of Iran 6-3.

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