Sourav Kothari retains World Billiards crown, crushes Advani 1133-477 in Carlow final
Synopsis
Sourav Kothari is now a two-time consecutive World Billiards champion. His 1133-477 demolition of Pankaj Advani in Carlow wasn't just a win — it was a statement. The 41-year-old's clinical breaks and unwavering focus, delivered in the shadow of his father's death earlier this year, underscores a champion operating at peak mental and technical capacity. India's billiards dominance rests on his shoulders.
Key Takeaways
Sourav Kothari defeated Pankaj Advani 1133-477 to retain the 2026 IBSF World Billiards Championship on 29 April in Carlow, Ireland .
Kothari compiled five breaks: 485, 241, 155 (unfinished), 121, and 90 , while Advani managed only 141, 119, and 64 .
This is Kothari's second consecutive World Billiards title; he also won in 2025 against Advani.
The 41-year-old from Kolkata won the 13th Asian Billiards Championship in 2014 and a gold medal at the 2017 Asian Indoor Games .
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya , Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, hailed Kothari's achievement as filling the nation with pride.
Sourav Kothari, one of India's premier cue sport athletes, successfully defended his 2026 IBSF World Billiards Championship title by decisively defeating fellow Indian Pankaj Advani in the final at Carlow, Ireland, on Wednesday, 29 April. Kothari's commanding performance saw him outscore Advani 1133-477 in a lopsided three-hour contest, cementing his status as the sport's dominant force.
Kothari's dominant display
The 41-year-old cue sport veteran from Kolkata started cautiously but found his rhythm midway through the final, producing a masterclass in focus and precision. Kothari compiled five substantial breaks — 485, 241, 155 (unfinished), 121, and 90 — that effectively shut down his opponent's chances. By contrast, Advani managed only three breaks: 141, 119, and 64, a stark reflection of Kothari's superior control and execution.
The path to the final
Kothari reached the championship match by dismantling Dhvaj Haria, another Indian contender, with a score of 663-443 in the semifinals. In the quarterfinals, he had dispatched David Causier of England 757-498. Advani, the reigning champion in the Billiards Long-up and 150-up formats, had beaten Robert Hall of England 1184-420 in his semifinal, producing two double-century breaks and multiple century contributions.
A tribute to his father
Kothari's victory carries profound personal significance. When the final whistle sounded, the champion looked skyward and gestured, "This one was for you, Dad". His father, Manoj Kothari, a former billiards champion 36 years ago, passed away early this year, leaving an emotional void in Kothari's corner. Yet the champion's unwavering concentration and clinical execution suggested his father's spirit was present throughout the three-hour battle.
Back-to-back dominance
This is Kothari's second consecutive World Billiards title. In 2025, he had also defeated Advani in the final at the same venue, scoring 725 points to Advani's 480. This year's victory margin — 656 points — is even more emphatic, underscoring Kothari's sustained excellence and mental fortitude in high-pressure championship finals.
National recognition
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, congratulated Kothari on his achievement. "A masterclass in focus and determination! Heartiest congratulations to Sourav Kothari on clinching the 2026 IBSF World Billiards Championship. Winning yet another world title is a remarkable achievement that fills the entire nation with pride and joy," the minister wrote on X (formerly Twitter), recognising the champion's contribution to Indian sport.
A storied career
Kothari's resume spans multiple continental and global honours. He won the 13th Asian Billiards Championship in 2014 by defeating fellow Indian Alok Kumar, and claimed a gold medal at the 2017 Asian Indoor Games. His sustained performance at the highest level — now underscored by back-to-back world titles — positions him as one of the sport's most consistent champions in the modern era.
Point of View
Steeper than last year's 245-point win, suggests Kothari has not merely inherited the mantle but is redefining it. What's notable is his ability to perform at peak intensity while processing his father's death early in the year — a test of mental resilience that separates champions from contenders. India's billiards export now rests on Kothari's consistency; the question is whether Advani, still a formidable 19-time titlist, can mount a credible challenge next year or if Kothari's window of dominance will extend further.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 IBSF World Billiards Championship final result?
Sourav Kothari defeated Pankaj Advani 1133-477 in the final on 29 April in Carlow, Ireland. Kothari compiled five substantial breaks (485, 241, 155, 121, 90) to dominate the three-hour match and retain his world title.
Why is Sourav Kothari's victory significant?
This is Kothari's second consecutive World Billiards championship, having also defeated Advani in the 2025 final. At 41, Kothari is now the sport's dominant force and has won multiple continental honours including the 2014 Asian Billiards Championship and a 2017 Asian Indoor Games gold medal.
How did Sourav Kothari reach the 2026 final?
Kothari beat Dhvaj Haria 663-443 in the semifinal and David Causier of England 757-498 in the quarterfinal. His consistent performances across multiple rounds demonstrated the precision and focus that defined his championship victory.
What breaks did Sourav Kothari and Pankaj Advani score in the final?
Kothari compiled five breaks: 485, 241, 155 (unfinished), 121, and 90. Advani managed three breaks: 141, 119, and 64. Kothari's superior scoring and consistency reflected his dominance throughout the match.
Did any Indian government official comment on Kothari's victory?
Yes, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, congratulated Kothari on X (formerly Twitter), calling his victory a masterclass in focus and determination and stating that the achievement fills the nation with pride and joy.
