The most accomplished player in India, Pankaj Advani, obtained his 36th global national title and the 10th crown of male snooker at the Yashwant Club, in a dominant demonstration of skills and determination. The OGC employee overcome an early setback to defeat Briti Damani in a final where Damani managed to take the opening framework, the only one he would claim throughout the match. The tournament is the only selection event for the Asian and world championships. Advani’s performance was marked by consistency and precision.
After having lagged behind by a frame, he maintained his composure and checked the table, leaving little room for the error. In the final framework, Advani delivered an impressive break of 84, sealing the executive, the match and the championship.
“As this is the only event that determines the country’s representatives for international tournaments, the issues were high,” said Advani.
The high pressure tournament turned out to be a full circle for Advani.
In the group phase, he had undergone his only defeat of the competition in the hands of Damani, where he had managed to gain only one frame. The rivalry took an ironic turn in the final when the tables were shot and Advani came out victorious, dropping only one frame of the match.
A critical turning point in this 91st edition of the national championships occurred during the round of 48.
Despite being 4-2 – a situation that has almost seen him get out of the event – the world champion on several occasions rose an unforgettable return by winning the match 5-4. This resilient display has not only saved its tournament offer, but also prepared the field for the success that followed.
“There was a good feeling about this gold when the 48 -game match saw me bounce back almost being out of the competition. Then I knew that this pivotal moment should mean something big.
With the Asian snooker championship scheduled for February 15, Advani and Damani are now faced during the tricolor on the international scene.
(With the exception of the title, this story has not been published by NDTV staff and is published from a unionized flow.)
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