Pankaj Advani Advances to Semifinals at National 9-Ball Pool Championship

By Bhairav Pandey , 31 March 2026
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Indian cue sports legend Pankaj Advani delivered a commanding performance to reach the men’s semifinal of the 9-Ball Pool National Championships in Ludhiana on Sunday. Representing Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB), the multiple-time world champion defeated Madhya Pradesh’s Piyush Kushwaha with a convincing 9–3 scoreline. The victory highlighted Advani’s versatility across cue sports disciplines, despite being best known for his achievements in snooker and billiards. With this win, he progresses to the semifinals where he will face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Kushal C and Kamal Chawla, keeping his title ambitions firmly on track.

Dominant Quarterfinal Performance

Pankaj Advani produced a clinical display in the quarterfinal round of the men’s 9-Ball Pool National Championships held in Ludhiana. Representing the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB), the decorated cueist outclassed Piyush Kushwaha of Madhya Pradesh in a one-sided contest that ended with a decisive 9–3 victory.

Advani maintained consistent control throughout the match, combining tactical precision with calculated shot-making to keep his opponent under sustained pressure. His ability to dictate the pace of the game allowed him to secure an early advantage and steadily widen the gap as the match progressed.

The result ensured a comfortable passage to the semifinals for one of India’s most accomplished cue sports athletes.

Versatility Across Cue Sports Disciplines

Although Pankaj Advani is widely celebrated for his dominance in snooker and billiards, his performance in Ludhiana once again demonstrated his adaptability across different cue sports formats.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Advani has accumulated numerous world titles across multiple disciplines, establishing himself as one of India’s most successful cueists. His technical expertise, strategic awareness, and composure under pressure have enabled him to transition seamlessly between formats such as billiards, snooker, and pool.

Industry observers often regard Advani’s versatility as a rare attribute in cue sports, where mastering multiple formats requires distinct tactical adjustments and specialized skills.

Semifinal Clash Awaits

Following his emphatic quarterfinal win, Advani is set to compete in the semifinal round against the winner of the match between Kushal C and Kamal Chawla.

Both potential opponents are respected competitors within the national cue sports circuit, making the upcoming semifinal an anticipated contest. However, Advani’s current form and extensive experience at major competitions could provide him with a significant competitive advantage.

A victory in the semifinal would bring him one step closer to adding another national title to his already remarkable list of achievements.

Strengthening India’s Cue Sports Legacy

Advani’s continued success reflects the enduring strength of India’s cue sports tradition. The country has long produced world-class players who have excelled in international competitions, contributing to India’s reputation as a global powerhouse in billiards and snooker.

National championships such as the ongoing 9-Ball Pool event serve as important platforms for both seasoned champions and emerging talents to showcase their abilities.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on Advani as he attempts to convert his dominant quarterfinal performance into another national championship triumph.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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