'This One Was For You, Dad': Sourav Kothari Outplays Pankaj Advani To Defend World Billiards Title

Last Updated:April 30, 2026, 09:50 IST

Sourav Kothari retains IBSF World Billiards Championship in Carlow, crushing Pankaj Advani 1133-477.

Indian cue sport star Sourav Kothari retained his title at the 2026 IBSF World Billiards Championship, defeating compatriot Pankaj Advani in the final in Carlow, Ireland, on Wednesday.

One of the country’s leading billiards players, Kothari produced a brilliant performance to dominate Advani, a multiple-time world champion, winning the one-sided three-hour final 1133-477.

How Sourav Kothari Beat Pankaj Advani?

The 41-year-old bespectacled Kothari was fully focused and determined as he outclassed Advani, a 19-time world champion, in the final. After a slightly shaky start, the Kolkata cueist found his rhythm in the summit clash and, once settled, was unstoppable. Kothari had also defeated Advani at the same venue in last year’s edition to claim the crown.

Kothari, who won the 13th Asian Billiards Championship in 2014 by beating fellow Indian Alok Kumar in the final, and who also secured a gold medal at the 2017 Asian Indoor Games, played like a man possessed on Wednesday. His unwavering concentration was a sight to behold. After his early struggles, the 41-year-old produced several massive breaks to floor Advani, compiling stupendous runs of 485, 121, 90, 241, and an unfinished 155. Advani responded with breaks of 141, 64, and 119.

Advani, the reigning champion in both the Billiards Long-up and Billiards 150-up formats, was among the favourites for the title. But on Wednesday there was no stopping Kothari, and despite his earnest efforts, Advani could not mount a stronger challenge.

Kothari reached the final by defeating another Indian, Dhvaj Haria, 663-443, while Advani outplayed Robert Hall of England 1184-420, producing two double-century breaks and two century breaks. In the final, however, Kothari — who had earlier beaten David Causier of England 757-498 in the quarterfinals — turned the tables and denied Advani many scoring opportunities.

When the bell rang to signal the end of the final, Kothari looked skywards and gestured, “This one was for you, Dad." The passing of his father Manoj, himself a former world champion 36 years ago, earlier this year may have left a void in his corner, but Kothari knew his father was with him in spirit.

Last year, Kothari had lifted the 2025 IBSF World Billiards title in sensational style, once again defeating compatriot and defending champion Pankaj Advani in Carlow, Ireland.

In that thrilling final at the Snooker and Billiards Ireland (SBI) Academy, the cue sports world witnessed an unforgettable clash between two of India’s finest, Kothari and Advani, as they battled for the coveted title. The championship match had everything fans of professional billiards and snooker could hope for — drama, precision, passion, and powerful scoring.

Kothari emerged champion with an emphatic 725-480 win over Advani. But this year’s triumph was even more dominant and emphatic.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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