Relieved Advani says he can now play in peace

Having achieved the only laurel that was missing in his cupboard, newly crowned world professional billiard champion Pankaj Advani says he can now play in peace.

The 24-year-old pulled off an upset win over nine-time champions Mike Russell and looked relieved after winning his first professional billiard title of his career.

"It's always tough winning any world championship, simply because you have to beat the best in the business," he said, as he prepared to leave for India.

"It's a great feeling and I can now play in peace because no body would come and tell me that I have not won a professional billiard title," the soft-spoken cueist said.

Advani became only the second Indian, after Geet Sethi, to win the coveted title and the Khel Ratna awardee said it was a special feeling.

"Records are meant to be broken but when you think that you are only the second Indian to achieve it, it makes the feeling all the more special," he said.

With this triumph, the five-time IBSF World Billiards champion Advani ensured he has won all the major world titles.