Sourav Kothari successfully defended the IBSF World Billiards Championship title in Carlow, Ireland, defeating Pankaj Advani 1133-477 in an all-Indian final. Kothari dominated with breaks of 485, 121, 90, 241 and an unfinished 155.

Carlow (Ireland), April 29: Sourav Kothari, who fired in fits and starts right through his campaign, reserved his best for the last. The reigning champion came up with a brilliant effort in the title clash against fellow Indian and the in-form Pankaj Advani to retain his IBSF World Billiards Championship title late on Tuesday evening.

The bespectacled Kolkatan, focused and determined, outclassed the 19-time champion with a lopsided 1133-477 verdict in the three-hour final. Like in his earlier matches, he came up second best in the early skirmishes, but once he got his eye in, there was no looking back.

Kothari dominates final

Kothari played like a man possessed, and his unwavering concentration was something to behold. After the initial blues, the 41-year-old came up with a barrage of breaks to floor Advani. He had stupendous runs of 485, 121, 90, 241 and an unfinished 155.