I hope my title provides inspiration: Advani

Newly-crowned World Professional billiards champion Pankaj Advani on Tuesday said he was hopeful that his title would inspire others to take up the game and win more laurels for the country.

The 24-year-old created history by becoming only the second Indian to win the recently-concluded World Professional billiards championship title, after two-time world champion Geet Sethi, in its 139 years of history.

The ace cueist from Bangalore pulled off a stunning 2030-1253 victory over nine-time world champion Mike Russell of Qatar in the finals at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds, UK, on Sunday to lay hands on the coveted trophy.

"I am very happy and extremely excited because it is a huge milestone that I have achieved," a visibly tired Advani said. "It is great for the game of billiards and it is great for all the cueists of the country. I hope my title adds inspirational value," he said.