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Key Points

Pankaj Advani, a renowned cue sport legend, has once again demonstrated his exceptional skills by winning the CCI Billiards Classic against Dhruv Sitwala. Despite struggling in the first three frames, Advani made a remarkable comeback with a powerful 145-point visit that turned the match in his favor. His victory continues his impressive streak of winning both snooker and billiards titles at the Cricket Club of India. This win further cements Advani's status as one of India's most accomplished cue sport athletes.

Key Points: Pankaj Advani Clinches CCI Billiards Classic Title Defeating Sitwala

  • Advani wins 28th World Championship title
  • Overcame early match challenges
  • Dominated final three frames
  • Secured top prize of Rs. 2.5 lakh
2 min read

Cue Sport: Pankaj Advani bags title in CCI Billiards Classic

Cue sport legend Pankaj Advani wins CCI Billiards Classic, securing his third consecutive title with a 5-2 victory over Dhruv Sitwala

"This win is special to me - Pankaj Advani"

Mumbai, May 5

Indian cue sport legend Pankaj Advani completed a triple once again by prevailing over Dhruv Sitwala 5-2 in the final of the CCI Billiards Classic 2025. Sitwala described Advani as a strong character at the table, noting that he was “at it” throughout the final.

In a pulsating contest that ended late on Sunday, Advani — winner of 28 World Championship titles across cue sports — was far from his best in the first three frames. However, the champion cueist seized his opportunity when Sitwala, on a strong break of 94, faltered. Advani capitalised with a visit of 145 to take the fourth frame and level the match at 2-2.

After the break, Advani found the ball rolling his way and his rhythm took control of the match. He won the next three frames in a row to seal the title and the top prize of Rs. 2.5 lakh. Sitwala, for his efforts, took home Rs. 1.5 lakh.

The scoreline reflects the high-intensity contest played at the Wilson Jones Billiards Hall of the Cricket Club of India (CCI). While there were several misses from both players, Advani ultimately showed he meant business. Having won both the CCI’s snooker and billiards titles in 2023 and 2024, he repeated the feat again this year.

"This win is special to me,” said a visibly happy Advani, holding the trophy. After his semifinal win against Rayan Razmi, Advani had remarked that he was “cueing well” — a significant admission in the world of billiards and snooker.

Results:

Billiards final: Pankaj Advani beat Dhruv Sitwala 5-2

{10-150(69,51), 150(82)-148(95), 81-150(85), 150(76,48)-96(46,42), 150(145)-136(136), 150(84)-147(63,35), 150(69,42)-137(48,36)}.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a champion! Pankaj Advani proves yet again why he's India's pride in cue sports 👏 That 145 break when the pressure was on shows his champion mentality. We're lucky to witness such greatness in our lifetime!
P
Priya M.
Dhruv Sitwala put up a great fight too! The scoreline doesn't show how close some frames were. Indian billiards is in good hands with such talented players. Maybe next time Dhruv! 🇮🇳
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Amit S.
Why isn't this getting more coverage? 28 world titles and our media is busy with cricket 24x7. Sports like billiards need more recognition and support. Pankaj is a legend who deserves more spotlight!
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Neha T.
That comeback after being 2-1 down was pure class! Reminds me of his 2015 World Championship win. The man just doesn't know how to quit. More power to you, Pankaj sir! 💪
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Vikram J.
While I admire Pankaj's skills, I wish tournaments like these were telecast live. It's sad that most Indians have never seen our world champion play. Doordarshan should step up!
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Shreya P.
The way he turned the match around after the break shows why experience matters. Young players should learn from his focus and temperament. Billiards may not be cricket, but it requires equal skill and patience!

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