Ashok Shandilya crowned
Asian champion
Seasoned Ashok Shandilya survived a scare from up-and-coming Pankaj Advani to win the title in the Om Kotak Mahindra second Asian billiards championship, which concluded in Bangalore on Sunday.
In a nerve-wracking final, Shandilya had to draw on his experience to get the better of Advani. The reigning national champion won 0-102, 28-100, 100-0, 101-6, 2-100, 100-0, 102-0, 29-102, 100-10 after a two-hour battle.
Shandilya was unnerved by some brilliant play by Advani, who won the first two games and then led 3-2. The 16-year-old Advani, who is the national junior champion in billiards and snooker, had pulled off some stunning wins in the league matches, and had even shocked Shandilya and ended the unbeaten run of Devendra Joshi in the semi-finals.
Reigning Asian champion Geet Sethi, who was beaten by Shandilya in the semi-finals on Saturday, finished third by winning the play-off match for the minor placings. He beat Devendra Joshi 3-1.
Shandilya won US $600, while Advani bagged $400.
