Pankaj Advani through to the semifinal in World Billiards Championship

Leeds: Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani on Friday advanced to the semifinals of the World Billiards Championship in the time format though he crashed out of the tournament in the point format here. Advani beat fellow Indian Rupesh Shah 1647-705 in the time format quarterfinals to make it to the last four stage.

He, however, lost to Peter Gilchrist of Singapore 1-4 in a quarterfinal match in points format. Against Rupesh, Advani made a strong start with two double century breaks and four century breaks before he proceeded to pocket the game with a 940-point margin in 180 minutes.

The seven-time world champion Indian faces another compatriot Dhruv Sitwala in the semifinals. "I am very happy to be playing fellow Indian and a great friend in the semis. With two Indians at the table, we are guaranteed a spot for the country in the finals of the Timed format and it also gives us a great chance of bringing the title home," he said.

Pankaj Advani Friday advanced to the semifinals of the World Billiards Championship in the time format.

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