24 July,2010 07:18 AM IST | | Jigar Shah
World billiards champion Pankaj Advani talks to MiD DAY as he turns 25
In India's crazy sporting world where cricket often takes over everything else, we sometimes forget that we have a multiple current world champion in Pankaj Advani.
The Bangalore man has all the credentials to be Indian sport's pride and joy with seven world billiards titles in his bag.
Last April, Advani created history when he became the only cueist to win a hat-trick of Asian Billiards.
He achieved the incredible when he beat Singapore's Peter Gilchrist in a thrilling final at Indore.
In a freewheeling birthday interview (he turns 25 today), Advani talks about life on and off his field of expertise.
Excerpts:
I am a Leo...
I don't know about 25 candles on the cake, but my favourite 25 people will be around me on my 25th birthday. However, half my day will be spent on a flight. I am going to Indore for the qualifying rounds of the Asian Cup.
I started playing billiards...
At the age of 10. I was the shortest player (I was called Tingoo) who went on to win seven World Championship titles. It has been an incredible journey. Once I began playing snooker and billiards, badminton and TT took a backseat.
The words World Champion...
It's a big high. But I play the game in a flow; I play for the moment or else I'll have to deal with the pressure of the 'World Champion' tag.
At home...
I'm treated like any other guy who has to be screamed at to eat his meals and give his clothes for washing in time.
I hangout with...
My friends at their place or go out for a bowling game. Night life in Bangalore comes to a close at 11:30 pm.
I haven't been booked...
I'm waiting for the right girl. I want to figure out if the girl really likes me for my status or for the person I'm.
Until then, I don't want to be seen with anyone, whose intentions are not clear
to me.
Teaching girls to play...
Does call for a very funny position - one has to go over the girl to place the left hand on the board.
But I do make this clear before teaching them. I'd be lying if I would say that I don't enjoy it.
I'm passionate about...
Dancing. I have a friend in a professional troupe from whom I took a few classes.
I admire the dancing talent of Shahid Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan.
Quick Questions:
Twitter or Facebook?
Facebook. I have yet to open a Twitter account.u00a0
Aamir, SRK, or Salman?
Saif Ali Khan (just kidding).
Ranbir Kapoor is the man to watch out for in the new generation.
--u00a0Bollywood News Service
