The Prince of Indian billiards, 15-year-old Pankaj Advani,
is the current Junior National billiards champion. Addicted to the
game from a very young age, he has all the traits of a true champion.
 How
do you strike a balance between your studies and the game?
To me, snooker and billiards is more important than anything.
You need a lot of time to practice. During tournaments, I practice
hard and get less sleep. It's hectic in Karnataka State Billiards
Association (KSBA). Somehow I strike a balance and manage to practice.
When did you first cue?
It was four years ago. One day, I visited a snooker parlour where
my brother was playing for fun. I tried a couple of shots and was
hooked to the game. My brother was the state number two at that time.
Then I came to KSBA for the summer coaching camp. Jairaj, the
former state billiards champion, coached me in fundamentals.
Your practice sessions…
I have no routine. I practice whenever I find time. It is hectic
before a major tournament.
Your first tournament…
I was 11 when I played my first tournament. It was the B S
Sampath Memorial Handicap Snooker Tournament. 
You lost out early in the recently held World Under 21 Snooker Tournament.
What was the reason?
I wasn't focussed. I think unsystematic preparations before the
tournament was the reason for my failure.
Do you think of yourself as another Geet Sethi in the making?
He's the king of Indian and world billiards. It's a very tough
task to make it to that level. A lot of dedication and a bit of luck
is also needed. Basically, you have to work hard.
Billiards is more like a Test match. Do you really enjoy it?
I wasn't so interested in billiards in the initial stages. But
soon I found it to be exciting. I like the game as it involves more
concentration.
Your inspiration…
My parents are very encouraging. Arvind Savur, himself a many
time National champion, has been very helpful. I appreciate Stephen
Hendry, the world snooker champion, a lot.
How do you plan your game? Do you set a target of 50, 100 or play
the slow game?
I like scoring fast in billiards. Basically, I go as my instinct
tells me. I just play the first shot which comes into my mind. The
first thought is always the best thought. I have not many innovative
ideas and I don't experiment much.
 Your
most tense match…
The semi-finals of the Mayor's Cup. I was leading 4-1. It became
4-4. As it was a best of nine matchs, my opponent came back and I
was under pressure. In the deciding frame, he won the match with the
black ball going down the hole.
What does it take to make the game more appealing to the masses?
We need more sponsors. There are few tournaments during the year,
unlike in England, where a lot of tournaments take place, especially
for the juniors. We should have more Asian junior tournaments, I feel.
We all need exposure and more match practice to perform better. I
think it's better for any player to start young. A lot of dedication
is needed. If one is talented, he can do it.
What do you do in your free time?
When I'm not studying, I watch snooker on TV and read sports magazines
and books.
Your ambition…
To give my best and to achieve a high standard in the game. After
my tenth standard, I'll concentrate on the game. I wish to go to London
as Britain is the home for snooker. I wish to join some University
and improve my game. The slates differ in foreign countries. In England,
it's great I feel. The atmosphere varies when playing in different
cities.
Your principles in life and game…
One should take everything in one's stride and give the best.
Sometimes when I feel depressed, I feel whatever has happened to me
is all for the best.
Click
here for his profile
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6:06:48 AM 
