Advani crowned world billiards champ

Pankaj Advani beat defending champion Mike Russel (2030-1253) to win the World professional billiards championship.

Advani became the second Indian to win the title in its 139th year after Geet Sethi, who won the title in 1992.

Earlier, Advani notched up a thrilling win over compatriot Dhruv Sitwala in the semi-final to set up the title clash at the Northern Snooker Center, Leeds.

In the other semifinal, compatriot Rupesh Shah squandered a first session lead, made elementary mistakes and went down 880-1366 against nine time-champion, Russel.

Earlier, Sethi crashed out of the event against Advani in the pre-quarterfinals. In a must-win last league match for both players, former world No.1 Sethi lost to compatriot Advani 482-818.