Former world snooker champion Pankaj Advani has been working quietly to sharpen his skills in an attempt to regain the title at the IBSF World Snooker Grand Prix, beginning at Pontin's, England, on Wednesday.
Advani, who became the youngest world champion at 19 years in 2003, will lead the Indian challenge, also comprising youngster Aditya Mehta and former Asian champion Alok Kumar, in the event, which concludes on March 3.
The championship, scheduled to be held in Karachi last year, was scrapped in the wake of the massive earthquake in Pakistan.
As many as 80 players from 35 countries, divided into eight groups, will vie for honours at the event, with IBSF member countries allowed to send two players each and nominate a reserve.
The winner will earn a Main Tour Ticket for the 2006-07 season.
The 20-year-old Advani said he has acquired new attitude towards the game and learnt to handle pressure during matches besides changing in his style of playing.
"I have made some minor changes in my technique and increased my range of shots. I have also worked on my mental aspect and am doing some breathing exercises as well," Advani said before leaving for Pontin's.
"I have also improved in terms of handling pressure and remaining calm during matches. It is important to take everything in your stride and I am doing that better than when I was a beginner," said the reigning world billiards champion.
The Bangalore cueist, who is placed in Group F, said he would focus on each match as it comes.
Besides Advani, Steve Mifsud of Australia will be among the high quality field. England has sent their amateur champion David Grace from Leeds, while Welsh champion Andrew Pagett and their precocious 14-year-old talent Michael White will represent the host country.
Mongolia have entered a 15-year-old, another clear sign of the exciting emergence of new talent across Asia.
In addition to the UK countries and Ireland, a strong European challenge will come from France, Germany, Holland, Belgium and Iceland.
Iceland have entered Kristjan Helgason, who narrowly missed out on a Main Tour place for 2005-6, losing the European final to Alex Borg.
Aditya Mehta is in Group B in the company of Anthony Brabin of Cyprus, Risto Varymen of Finland, Daniel Ward of England, Andrew Pagett of Wales and Sean Boxall.
Alok Kumar has been placed in Group F with David Grace of England, Davy Morris of Republic of Ireland.
