Pankaj Advani won the title for the third consecutive time by prevailing over Dhruv Sitwala 5-2 in the final of the CCI Billiards Classic 2025 late on Sunday. In a pulsating contest, Advani - winner of 28 World Championship titles across cue sports - was far from his best in the first three frames. However, the champion cueist seized his opportunity when Sitwala, on a strong break of 94, faltered. Advani capitalised with a visit of 145 to take the fourth frame and level the match at 2-2.
After the break Advani found the ball rolling his way and his rhythm took control of the match and won the next three frames in a row to seal the title and the top prize of Rs. 2.5 lakh. Sitwala, for his efforts, took home Rs. 1.5 lakh.
The score line reflects the high-intensity contest played at the Wilson Jones Billiards Hall. While there were several misses from both players, Advani ultimately showed he meant business. Having won both the CCI’s snooker and billiards titles in 2023 and 2024, he repeated the feat again this year.
This win is special to me,” said a visibly happy Advani, holding the trophy.
Sitwala described Advani as a strong character at the table, noting that he was “at it” throughout the final.
After his semi-final win against Rayan Razmi, Advani had remarked that he was “cueing well” — a significant admission in the world of billiards and snooker.
Results - Finals: Pankaj Advani beat Dhruv Sitwala 5-2 {10-150(69,51), 150(82)-148(95), 81- 150(85), 150(76,48)-96(46,42), 150(145)-136(136), 150(84)-147(63,35), 150(69,42)-137(48,36)}
