India unlikely to produce pro snooker champ soon: Advani

Ace cueist Pankaj Advani does not see an Indian player winning at the world professional snooker circuit in the near future even though he and compatriot Aditya Mehta are currently ranked in top 64.
"It is a good sign (with two players in top 64). It is still a long way to go before we enter the top 32 or the top 16. I personally don't see an Indian winning any event in the professional circuit in the near future," Advani told PTI here today.
The Bangalore-based cueist, who is participating in the CCI Classic tournament in progress here, felt he and Mehta could be the stepping stones for future generation of Indian players to go and create snooker history in the pro circuit.

"May be both of us paved the way for youngsters and may be they would take over after 10-15 years and actually go and win a professional event," Advani said.
"But currently I don't see any of us actually winning a major event although it would be a great news for Indian snooker if we did. But I think we have got to be realistic about our chances and just enjoy the fact that we have broken into the top-64, which is not a joke," the 28-year old added.
Advani said only if India have a professional set up, one can expect players winning at the professional circuit.

"Aditya and I haven't received the complete funding to go the UK. The tour structure is such that you have got to be in England for over six months.
"Once all that changes and once we have a professional set up over here and the game goes global, then you will see more opportunities for youngsters and everyone will be on a level playing field. Now, there is a clear cut advantage for the UK based players," he explained.
Advani, who is ranked 56 in the pro-circuit, said that it is a struggle for all foreigners in the circuit.