Remarkable Sourav Kothari Triumphs Over Pankaj Advani to Claim IBSF World Billiards Championship
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Synopsis
Sourav Kothari clinched the 2025 IBSF World Billiards title by defeating Pankaj Advani 725-480 in a thrilling final held in Carlow, Ireland. This victory marks Kothari's historic achievement as he joins the elite club of players who have won both IBSF and WBL titles.
Key Takeaways
- Sourav Kothari won 2025 IBSF World Billiards title.
- Defeated Pankaj Advani with a score of 725-480.
- Historic win marks Kothari as third Indian to achieve dual titles.
- Outstanding break of 325 highlighted the match.
- Significant family legacy continues with this victory.
Mumbai, April 17 (NationPress) India's Sourav Kothari triumphed over fellow countryman and reigning champion Pankaj Advani with a score of 725-480 during an exhilarating final to secure the 2025 IBSF World Billiards title (formerly known as the World Amateur Billiards Championship) in Carlow, Ireland on Thursday.
This victory makes Kothari only the third Indian to achieve the remarkable feat of winning both the IBSF and WBL World Billiards titles, joining the ranks of Rupesh Shah and Advani.
The championship match at the Snooker and Billiards Ireland (SBI) Academy showcased a captivating battle between two of India's top cue sports players, Kothari and Advani, vying for the prestigious 2025 IBSF World Billiards title. The final delivered drama, skill, enthusiasm, and impressive scoring, just as enthusiasts of professional billiards and snooker had anticipated.
Kothari's remarkable performance culminated in an impressive win, achieving a total of 725 points against Advani's 480. His outstanding break of 325 was the match's highlight and one of the most remarkable in recent championship history. Additionally, Kothari achieved breaks of 119 and 112, demonstrating extraordinary poise, concentration, and cue control.
This title marks a significant milestone for Kothari, as it represents his first IBSF World Title in the timed format, occurring 35 years after his father, billiards icon Manoj Kothari, secured this title in 1990 in Bengaluru.
Kothari's success is a proud continuation of his family legacy and a notable achievement in his illustrious career, solidifying his status as a formidable competitor on the global cue sports stage.
Advani showcased his own brilliance with impressive breaks of 129, 116, and 112. However, Kothari's monumental break of 325 in the first half of the match kept Advani on the back foot throughout. As the final hour of the three-hour match approached, the excitement heightened as Advani reduced the deficit to under 50 points.
Nevertheless, Kothari maintained his composure under pressure, ensuring his score continued to rise, ultimately extending his lead to 200 points with insufficient time left for Advani to catch up.
A significant moment in Kothari's journey to the World title was his semifinal victory over multiple-time World Champion and formidable competitor, David Causier from England. Kothari's exceptional performance included breaks of 299 and 263, allowing him to lead by nearly 600 points at the mid-session interval. Despite Causier's remarkable break of 326 points, Kothari's earlier efforts in the two-and-a-half-hour match led to his victory with a score of 864-547.
This year's IBSF World Billiards field was exceptionally competitive, featuring top players such as former World Champions Peter Gilchrist from Singapore and Rob Hall, as well as David Causier and Peter Sheehan from England, alongside leading players from India, Ireland, and Scotland for an ultimate showdown in World Billiards.
