India's ace cueist Pankaj Advani created history by claiming the Asian 6-Red Snooker title, and becoming the first in the world to hold both world and continental titles in 6-red snooker at the same time. With a 6-1 semi-final victory against Aditya Mehta booking his spot in the finals, Advani won the first 39-4. With a loss of the second frame, 6-51 to the Malaysian who scored a break of 51, Advani won the third frame 40-14 before losing the fourth frame, 37-0. The fifth and sixth frame belonged solely to the 30-year-old who cleared the table 41-7 and 44-8 respectively. With him leading the match 4-2 at the end of six frames, Keen Hoh Moh fought back by winning the seventh frame, 38-21 only to lose the eight frame 24-45 and the Indian ace securing a 45 break.
Commenting on his win, an ecstatic Advani, who won his first title of the year, said, "It's my first individual Asian snooker championship, so the feeling is unreal. Having missed out on the 15-red Asian snooker title last month made this a mission for me to accomplish. Winning it the same year as my world title in the Six Red sends me over the moon." Advani will now head the Indian challenge in the team event with Aditya Mehta, Manan Chandra and Kamal Chawla.
