“I knew I had to fight till the end. That comeback in the Round of 48 was crucial. It gave me the confidence and momentum I needed for the rest of the tournament.” — Pankaj Advani after winning his 36th national title
India’s most celebrated cueist, Pankaj Advani, continues his reign in the world of cue sports, securing his 36th national title and 10th men’s snooker championship at the Yashwant Club. This landmark victory in the National Billiards and Snooker Championship 2025 not only reinforces his legendary status but also guarantees his participation in the Asian Snooker Championship starting February 15, 2025. With a career spanning multiple international accolades, Advani remains a beacon of excellence in Indian and global snooker.
🏆 36th National Title: A Historic Milestone
With this latest triumph, Pankaj Advani cements his status as India’s most accomplished cueist. His win at the National Snooker Championship 2025 marks his 10th men’s snooker championship and 36th national title overall across snooker and billiards combined.
This victory is not just a personal milestone but a testament to his unwavering dominance in both billiards and snooker. Advani’s career has been defined by precision, consistency, and resilience — qualities that continue to set him apart from his competitors even after two decades at the top of Indian cue sports.
Think of Pankaj Advani as the Sachin Tendulkar of cue sports. Just as Tendulkar dominated cricket with his hundreds, Advani has been collecting national and world titles for over 20 years. His 36 national titles mean he’s won roughly 1-2 major national championships every year of his career!
| Category | National Titles | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s Snooker | 10 titles | Most by any Indian player |
| Billiards | Multiple titles | Dominated for over a decade |
| Total National Titles | 36 titles | All-time Indian record |
| IBSF World Titles | 24 titles | Most decorated cueist globally |
🎱 The Final Showdown: Advani vs Brijesh Damani
In a thrilling title clash, Advani faced Brijesh Damani, a formidable opponent who had previously defeated him in the group stage. However, in the grand finale, Advani staged a remarkable comeback, displaying his tactical brilliance and mental toughness.
The match was a masterclass in high-pressure performance. Advani conceded only two frames throughout the final, demonstrating his complete dominance. The decisive moment came with a spectacular 84-break in the final frame, which sealed his victory and avenged his earlier group stage defeat against Damani.
Final Match: Pankaj Advani defeated Brijesh Damani, conceding only 2 frames. Winning moment: 84-break in the final frame. Key fact: Advani had lost to Damani in the group stage but avenged that defeat in the final.
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Winner | Pankaj Advani |
| Runner-up | Brijesh Damani |
| Frames Conceded by Advani | Only 2 frames |
| Winning Break | 84-break in the final frame |
| Special Note | Avenged group stage loss to Damani |
🛤️ Tournament Journey: Challenges and Comebacks
Despite his stellar record, Pankaj Advani faced multiple challenges throughout the championship. His journey was a testament to his ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain his composure under pressure.
The most dramatic moment came in the Round of 48, where Advani was trailing 4-2 and facing elimination. In a display of mental fortitude that has defined his career, he staged a dramatic comeback to win 5-4, keeping his title hopes alive. This turning point provided the confidence and momentum he needed for the rest of the tournament.
Advani’s ability to overcome adversity — losing in the group stage to his eventual final opponent, then facing elimination in the Round of 48 — highlights why mental strength is as important as technical skill in individual sports. Champions find ways to win even when circumstances are against them.
🌟 Career Achievements: India’s Greatest Cueist
Pankaj Advani’s career achievements place him among the greatest cueists in the history of the sport, not just in India but globally:
- 36 National Titles: Most by any Indian cueist in billiards and snooker combined
- 24 IBSF World Titles: Most decorated player in International Billiards and Snooker Federation history
- Multiple Asian Titles: Consistent dominance at continental level
- 10 National Snooker Championships: Record in the category
- Padma Shri & Padma Bhushan: Received India’s civilian honors for sports excellence
Don’t confuse: 36 is the total NATIONAL titles (across snooker and billiards). 24 is the number of IBSF WORLD titles. 10 is specifically the number of NATIONAL SNOOKER championships. These are three different counts!
🌏 Asian Snooker Championship 2025
With the National Snooker Championship concluded, the focus now shifts to the Asian Snooker Championship, set to begin on February 15, 2025. This victory guarantees Advani’s participation in the prestigious continental event.
Both Pankaj Advani and Brijesh Damani will represent India at this tournament, where they will face some of the best cueists from across Asia. Given Advani’s proven track record in high-pressure international matches, he will look to add another title to his impressive collection.
Asian Snooker Championship 2025 starting February 15, 2025. Both Advani and Damani qualified to represent India. Advani will be targeting another international title to strengthen India’s global standing in cue sports.
🌍 Impact on Indian Cue Sports
Pankaj Advani’s latest title win is more than just another addition to his long list of achievements — it plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s presence in global cue sports:
- International Qualification: Guarantees participation in the Asian Snooker Championship 2025
- Global Standing: Boosts India’s reputation in international snooker and billiards
- Youth Inspiration: Encourages young players to take up professional cue sports
- Legacy Building: Reinforces India’s position as a cue sports powerhouse
- Infrastructure Focus: Highlights the need for supporting cue sports development
Advani’s dominance raises questions about sports ecosystem development. Why hasn’t India produced more world-class cueists despite Advani’s success? What infrastructure and policy changes are needed to develop depth in niche sports beyond individual champions?
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Pankaj Advani has won 36 national titles across snooker and billiards, making him India’s most accomplished cueist.
Advani defeated Brijesh Damani in the final. Interestingly, Damani had beaten Advani in the group stage.
Advani sealed the championship with a spectacular 84-break in the final frame against Damani.
Pankaj Advani has won 24 IBSF World Titles, the most by any player in the federation’s history.
The Asian Snooker Championship 2025 begins on February 15, 2025. Both Advani and Damani qualified to represent India.
