Indian Snooker Player Pankaj Advani

Pankaj advani
Originally uploaded by Jeevan_.

Every generation needs achievers to light up the path, to inspire youth into thinking big and in the process lift the spirits of an entire nation. Pankaj Advani may have arrived, as if on cue, to become that face in the crowd in 2003 by winning the International Billiards and Snooker Federation's World Amateur Snooker Championship at Jiangmen, China. He emulated the late Om Agrawal's 1984 achievement, though there is a buzz about India's second World beater because not only is he 18 and successful, but also capable of making a dramatic impact on the world stage. "So many achievers have done so much. I have a long way to go,'' said the champion, the humility coming through even when talking about his astounding achievement.

Pankaj Advani born on July 24, 1985 in Banglore India.

Already hailed as a `prodigy' by peers for winning the 2002 senior National snooker title at 17, Advani is only justifying the promise displayed in the 2001 World under-21 snooker at Latvia when he finished third. Snooker is a high stakes, high profile sport in the pro ranks, tailored for television and offering enough scope for exciting young achievers. "The World title has made my attitude more focussed. Now I have to look at bigger things from here on, at the same time look at the tournaments that have to be won,'' said Advani, in a chat during an invitation doubles snooker event at the Bombay Gymkhana.

Snooker's youngest amateur sensation already has the professional World crown in his sights, looking at it as a long-term goal and is already prepared to work towards a cherished dream, starting with a stint at the London-based International Snooker Academy. Coached by former World number four Arvind Savur for almost a decade at Bangalore, the B.Com student of Jain College made his mentor proud with forceful, ruthless play at the 2003 Worlds, culminating in a 11-6 victory over Saleh Mohammed of Pakistan for the title, becoming India's only World champion in this eventful year.

The newly crowned IBSF World Snooker Champion got his bid for the 'double' off to a flying start with a 3-0 win over England's John Hartley as the first of the group matches got under way in Hyderabad.