19 April,2010 08:53 AM IST | | Kuldeep Sharma
It was Pankaj Advani's fourth career hat-trick as he became the first person to win the Asian Billiards Championship three times in a row. He has similar feats under his belt at the IBSF World Billiards Championships and the senior and junior nationals.
But the icing on the cake was the way Advani sealed the win, giving his opponent Peter Gilchrist no chance. Going into the decider, the match was tied at five games-a-piece and Advani shut it out with a century break. Gilchrist had little option but to applaud the victor.
Though the championship was played in the newer and shorter hundred-point format, this had little effect on Advani.
Reflecting on the new format, Advani said, "This was a very small format. It's just hundred points and the frame gets over quickly. Before you know it, the game is over. Sometimes you don't even get a crack in the game, the player who breaks can run away with it."
The 24-year-old from Bangalore added that there were certain challenges involved in adjusting to the shorter formats.
"The key is in staying mentally tough. It is a test of patience and stamina. It's like a hit and run game. I prefer attacking and taking risks. There is no fun without taking risks. Also, here you have to be sharp mentally as there is no room for error."
Talking about the change in strategies required while adjusting to different varieties of cue sports and the various formats which are being introduced, Advani said, "It does require a change in technique. But the fact that I have been able to win national and international titles consistently shows the fact that I have the ability to adjust."
