Advani touches a new high

I remember once Russell had said during one of his visits to Bangalore that he didnt consider Pankaj a top-ranked professional player despite his heroics as an amateur. He said he felt Advani was among the top five but certainly not the top player, Kajal told The Indian Express from her home in Bangalore. When I heard that Pankaj beat Russell with a very comprehensive margin,it was very satisfying. Russell is a legend having won the professional crown nine times. It was like beating a lion in his own den, she says.

He was nervous

Kajal also speaks about the conversation she had with her 24-year-old son before the final. He appeared nervous as he was playing Russell for the first time in a match but I knew my son is special. He has tremendous power of concentration and that proved he is one of the finest the game has ever seen, said Mrs Advani as her son became the only Indian after Geet Sethi to win the professional billiards crown.

The second most important person in the young champions life,after his mother,happens to be his long-time coach Arvind Savur. After the death of his father while a child,Savur filled the void as he became the prodigys guiding force. Savur,who is visiting Switzerland at present,couldnt hold back his excitement. Im feeling on the top of the world now and Im sure Pankaj is also feeling the same, said Savur,one of the finest brains on the green baize.

Pankaj has great powers of concentration. Winning a professional title at this young age is great and that too beating old fox Russel in the final is truly special, said Savur.

Savur says Russell made the mistake of taking Advani lightly in the first session. He has never been a great admirer of Pankaj. To Russell,amateur titles arent a big achievement and that proved to be his undoing, observed Savur. He allowed Pankaj to open up a huge lead of about 600 points in the first session. At that point I knew that Pankaj will never let him catch up. I know my ward very well, said Savur.