The talented Pankaj Advani beat the defending champion Mike Russel of England in the finale of the World Professional Billiards Championship being played at Leeds, England on Sunday (September 6). By doing so, he wrote many new chapters in the history of the World Billiards Championship. He is only the second Indian to win the prestigious championship. Prior to him it was another billiard and snooker great Geet Sethi who achieved the amazing feet in the year 1992.

One of the youngest Indians to be conferred with the Padma awards- Pankaj Advani to date has won numerous prestigious championships in the field of billiards and snookers. Some of these include 2008 IBSF World Billiards Championship (both category - timed and points), 2006 Asian Games Gold Medallist - English Billiards singles, 2005 IBSF World Billiards Championship (both category - timed and points), Asian Billiards Championship, India Billiards Championship, WSA Challenge Tour and 2003 IBSF World Snooker Championship.

In the year 2005, Pankaj Advani created world record by winning the IBSF World Billiards Championship and became only the second cueist in the world to achieve the rare double of winning both billiards and snooker titles after Paula Mifsud of Malta.

During his illustrious sports career, as far Pankaj Advani has been conferred with numerous awards, some of these include Padma Shri in 2009, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 2005-06 and Arjuna Award in 2004.    

Pankaj has proved once again that by sheer dedication and determination, a sports man can attain great heights. Kudos to you Pankaj Advani.