We are not cricketers, we are the Asian team Snooker Champions: Pankaj Advani

The Indian team comprising of Pankaj Advani and Laxman Rawat defeated Pakistan the finals of the Snooker Asian Team Championships held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. They won straight ties to seal the match 3-0 after a solid resistance shown by Pakistan at the start. This is Rawat’s first Asian title and 8 (6 Billiards, 1 6-red and 1 Team Snooker) for the Indian master Advani.

The first tie Advani take on Mohammad Bilal. Even after a foul from Advani, Bilal was not able to seal the tie to his name. The Indian veteran bounced back into the game with a brilliant break of 83 points and took the first tie. Rawat went for the second tie after a very impressive display from Advani. He too did not disappoint on the table as he took a 73 break to win the frame and did not allow his opponent Babar Misah to score a single point.

India then needed to win the doubles tie to ensure a whitewash. Pakistan, however, came out stronger here than before realizing their do or die deficit. Rawat started on with a 50 break to give India a comfortable position but a crucial miss on the pink brought Pakistan back to the table. Misah then succumbed to the pressure and missed on the green to give Advani the chance to finish. Advani kept his cool in the deciding situation and cleared the frame to clinch the title with a 3-0 whitewash.

Advani remained the only player to not lose a single individual tie in the Asian tournament. This is second Asian title this season.