Advani-Kothari duel in National Championship

Indian ace cueists Pankaj Advani and Sourav Kothari will renew their rivalry when the duo compete in BRC Gloster National Billiards and Snooker Championship at Bengal Rowing Club beginning here tomorrow.
Local favourite Kothari is the billiards defending champion while Advani won the last year's senior National Snookers in Lucknow as the duo has been given top billings in their respective pet events.
But the duo will be seen in action in both billiards and snooker in the tournament which has received a record 920 entries across four categories - sub junior, junior, senior and ladies.
Having picked cuesport at the same venue, the PSPB contestant will be the fancied player to defend his billiards title and get into top eight in snooker.

Terming this a dream come true to play in his backyard, Sourav said, "From the staff to members, everyone knows me here. I never thought I would play here. It's very special."
Sourav, however, said he is not under pressure to perform in front of home crowd.

Stressing that the time-format is unpredictable, "Anyone in top eight stands a chance. You never know... If I don't win, I will take it as just another bad day."
On form, Sourav picked Advani, Karnataka lad B Bhasker, Rupesh Chandra alongside him as title favourites.
The format will be league cum-knock out.
There will be four qualifiers and 48 direct entries in senior billiards which will be held from January 12-17.

They will be divided into eight groups with four having seven and the remaining four having six contestants each.
In senior snooker which will be held from January 19-24, it will be a draw of 80 that includes seven qualifiers as they will be divided into 16 groups of five each.