New Delhi:
Newly-crowned world professional billiards champion Pankaj Advani does not want to chase personal milestones but said he would be happy if the records come along the way.
Advani became the second Indian after legendary Geet Sethi to have won the coveted world professional title after upsetting nine-time champion Mike Russell 2030-1253 in the final in Leeds two days back.
Asked about breaking Geet Sethi's feat of winning five world titles, Advani said, "I don't think of records and statistics when I play my game. I don't believe in chasing them for the sake of breaking them."
"Yes, that was a big achievement by Geet and I can keep that aspect in mind and look at it in future. But, I am not interested in records," he said.
The 24-year-old cueist, who is already a world champion in the amateur circuit, said he would have loved to win an Olympic medal for the country had the game been part of the quadrennial mega event.
"I would have loved to win an Olympic medal for the country, but it's not part of the quadrennial event. It would be great to raise the flag of your country at the Olympics," said Advani, who won his maiden professional title in Leeds.
"It (the inclusion of billiards) would have been good for the game also. But, at present I am enjoying my game and not thinking anything else," he said.
Advani, whose entry was initially mislaid at the world event, forcing the competition to be re-drawn, clarified that the world body just overlooked his entry, citing a system error.
"It was nothing big. The world body, they just overlooked my entry. They thought I am not participating. It was a system error. It was mistake on their part and they had realised it and soon rectified it," Advani said.
The Bangalore-based soft-spoken cueist said he loves to experiment in life and is open to offers like participating in dance competition and reality shows.
"I am not averse to indulge in new things. I am open to try new things in my life like dance competitions or reality shows if offers come to me. I would definitely look into it.
"Reality shows and dance competitions are good platform to showcase your talent. I will be happy to showcase my other talent and qualities in front of others," said Bangalore-based Advani.
On his decision not to turn professional in snooker, he said one should respect his decision and take into account the reasons behind it.
"Sachin Tendulkar has decided to quit Twenty20 and everybody is respecting his decision. Likewise, my decision should also be respected by others. I love billiards. It is very satisfying. I don't want to play in England for nine months," he said.
Advani became the second Indian after legendary Geet Sethi to have won the coveted world professional title after upsetting nine-time champion Mike Russell 2030-1253 in the final in Leeds two days back.
Asked about breaking Geet Sethi's feat of winning five world titles, Advani said, "I don't think of records and statistics when I play my game. I don't believe in chasing them for the sake of breaking them."
"Yes, that was a big achievement by Geet and I can keep that aspect in mind and look at it in future. But, I am not interested in records," he said.
The 24-year-old cueist, who is already a world champion in the amateur circuit, said he would have loved to win an Olympic medal for the country had the game been part of the quadrennial mega event.
"I would have loved to win an Olympic medal for the country, but it's not part of the quadrennial event. It would be great to raise the flag of your country at the Olympics," said Advani, who won his maiden professional title in Leeds.
"It (the inclusion of billiards) would have been good for the game also. But, at present I am enjoying my game and not thinking anything else," he said.
Advani, whose entry was initially mislaid at the world event, forcing the competition to be re-drawn, clarified that the world body just overlooked his entry, citing a system error.
"It was nothing big. The world body, they just overlooked my entry. They thought I am not participating. It was a system error. It was mistake on their part and they had realised it and soon rectified it," Advani said.
The Bangalore-based soft-spoken cueist said he loves to experiment in life and is open to offers like participating in dance competition and reality shows.
"I am not averse to indulge in new things. I am open to try new things in my life like dance competitions or reality shows if offers come to me. I would definitely look into it.
"Reality shows and dance competitions are good platform to showcase your talent. I will be happy to showcase my other talent and qualities in front of others," said Bangalore-based Advani.
On his decision not to turn professional in snooker, he said one should respect his decision and take into account the reasons behind it.
"Sachin Tendulkar has decided to quit Twenty20 and everybody is respecting his decision. Likewise, my decision should also be respected by others. I love billiards. It is very satisfying. I don't want to play in England for nine months," he said.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
