Advani wins World Billiards Championships title

Bengaluru

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Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani today won his 11th World Billiards (150-Up format) Championships title by beating Peter Gilchrist of Singapore in the summit clash. Advani beat multiple world champion Gilchrist 6-3 in a gripping final contest to wrap up his 16th world title overall. Coming into the finals in the right frame of mind after defeating Myanmar’s Aung Htay in the semifinals in the morning, Advani scripted a convincing victory over his Singapore-based British opponent.

London
Anand loses to Nakamura in London Classic  

It was not the best of birthdays for five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand as he went down to Hikaru Nakamura of the United States in the third round of the London Chess Classic tournament here today. Wesley So escaped with a draw against Levon Aronian of Armenia to stay in lead with 2.5 points. Anand, Nakamura and Anish Giri of Holland share the fifth spot with 1.5 points. 

Pune
Top shooters for shooting Nationals

India’s top shooters, including Jitu Rai, will vie for top honours in the 60th National Shooting Championships beginning tomorrow. The shooters will be taking part in the men’s 10m air rifle, 50m pistol and 25m rapid fire pistol on the first day of the competitions. The first finals are slated for Wednesday, with the men’s 50m pistol followed by the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol finals. An all-time record entries of 4,500 shooters from across the country have been received. The 60th NSCC (Rifle/Pistol) will see a total of 31 event finals, 15 in the senior category and 16 in the junior category, respectively.  

Brisbane
Pakistan coach Arthur plays down return to Australia  

Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur remains ill at ease with the spotlight shining on his return to Australia and cannot wait for the focus to shift to cricket, the 48-year-old said on Monday. “This series isn’t about me against Australia,” said Arthur. “It’s about two very good teams going head-to-head and I hope that can be the focus for the remainder of the tour for that is what it is.” Asked if he wanted to prove that Cricket Australia made a mistake by sacking him, Arthur said: “Of course there’s a part of me that feels that. I’d not be honest if I say otherwise. I always maintain that I loved the first year and a bit of it, it was outstanding and I felt we made some significant progress.” — Agencies