Toast, Spirituality and a Comeback: Pankaj Advani Clinches 29th World Title
Cue sports legend Pankaj Advani clinches his 29th world title. Read about his comeback victory and the unusual routine that helped him win.
In a masterclass of resilience and precision, cue sports legend Pankaj Advani has etched his name further into the history books by securing his 29th career world title. The 41-year-old Indian maestro triumphed at the WBL World Billiards Championship in Birmingham, overcoming England's Robert Hall in a high-stakes final that tested both his mental fortitude and physical endurance.
Advani sealed the victory with a commanding score of 1906-1206, punctuated by a breathtaking 587 break that left the audience in awe. As the only Indian to reach the semifinals of the event, Advani's journey to the trophy was a testament to his enduring dominance in the sport.
A Battle of Nerves and a Stunning Recovery
The final was far from a walkover. Spanning five grueling hours, the match saw Advani struggle early on. He admitted that the first session was a uphill battle, at one point trailing by 300 to 320 points. Facing a formidable opponent in Rob Hall—a player Advani describes as both a friend and an excellent competitor—there was a moment where the champion felt hope was slipping away.
"The finalist that I played against, Rob Hall... has improved so much. And that was the only match I was actually down... I felt like at one point there was no hope," Advani recalled.
However, the tide turned when Advani found his rhythm. By shifting his mindset to capitalize on every single opportunity, he dominated the second session entirely, staging a comeback that has become a hallmark of his illustrious career.
The Secret Routine: Eye Drops and Toast
One of the most intriguing aspects of this victory was how Advani handled a critical one-hour break while trailing in the match. To combat the mental fatigue and the pressure of the deficit, he employed a unique strategy of self-distraction and spiritual grounding.
To reset his focus and "regain his eye," Advani used eye drops and turned to a spiritual book to calm his mind. To keep his energy levels stable, he kept it simple with a few slices of toast. This blend of spiritual reflection and basic nutrition helped him enter a "zone" that eventually led him to victory.
Debunking the 'Lazy Sport' Myth
Beyond the tactics on the table, Advani took the opportunity to challenge the misconception that cue sports are "lazy" simply because they are played in air-conditioned environments. He emphasized that the mental strain of playing five hours of billiards daily is immense and can only be supported by rigorous physical conditioning.
Advani revealed that his preparation involves targeted gym work focusing on specific muscle groups:
- Upper and Lower Back: Crucial for maintaining the lean and posture required for precision shots.
- Legs: Essential for stability during long matches.
- Core Strength: To ensure the body does not give way during taxing competitions.
According to the champion, physical fitness is the foundation that allows the mind to maintain the highest level of concentration over several hours of play.
A Career Milestone
Reflecting on the achievement, Advani ranked this victory among the top three wins of his career in terms of the overall quality and standard of play. He noted that English players have significantly upped their game over the last few years, making this particular title win a result of intense hard work and unwavering self-belief.