Sourav Kothari crowned IBSF World Billiards champion

CARLOW, (Ireland) April 17: Ace Indian cueist Sourav Kothari clinched the 2025 IBSF World Billiards title after an emphatic victory over multiple-time winner Pankaj Advani in the final in Carlow, Ireland.
The cue sports world witnessed an unforgettable clash between two of India’s finest — Kothari and Advani — for the coveted title on Wednesday.Kothari emerged champion, scoring 725 points to Advani’s 480. His brilliant break of 325 was the standout moment of the match and it was one of the finest efforts in recent championship history.Kothari also notched up breaks of 119 and 112, showcasing exceptional composure, focus, and cue control.This victory marked a historic first IBSF world title (timed format) for Kothari, 35 years after his father and billiards legend Manoj Kothari won it in 1990 in Bangalore. The 39-year-old Advani displayed flashes of brilliance with impressive breaks of 129, 116, and 112. However, the massive break of 325 by Kothari saw Advani always playing catch up. (PTI)