CCI BILLIARDS CLASSIC 2024
CCI Billiards Classic to commence today
20-Mar-2024
Pankaj Advani
Five foreign players will challenge reigning champion Pankaj Advani
Mumbai, March 20: Exciting and captivating battles for supremacy are on the horizon as the highly anticipated CCI Billiards Classic 2024 prepares to kick off. With a prize purse of Rs 10.15 lakh, this tournament is one of the most lucrative in the country. The event is scheduled to start on Thursday, March 21 at the CCI’s Sir Wilson Jones billiards hall.
Fans of the green baize sport are eagerly anticipating defending champion Pankaj Advani's performance at this prestigious venue. Advani, India's most decorated cueist with 27 World Championship titles, has been in exceptional form with three consecutive victories at CCI over the past year. He clinched the CCI Classic Snooker title in January 2023 and successfully defended it earlier this month. Moreover, he emerged victorious in the CCI Classic Billiards championship last April, showcasing his remarkable skills in cue sports.
The competition will be fierce, with top Indian players like National champion Dhruv Sitwala, National runner-up Sourav Kothari, and Maharashtra No. 1 Mahesh Jagdale ready to challenge Advani. The tournament has also attracted five international players, including Peter Gilchrist from Singapore and Englishmen David Causier, Peter Sheehan, Chris Taylor, and last year's runner-up Rob Hall. Former world champions such as Rupesh Shah, Ashok Shandilya, and Devendra Joshi will also be vying for the title, adding to the competitive field.
The tournament format will feature 24 seeded players in the main draw, accompanied by eight qualifiers. Players will engage in round-robin league matches, with the top two from each group progressing to the knockout stage.
The championship winner will receive a prize of Rs 250,000 along with a trophy, while the runner-up will be awarded Rs 150,000. Prize money will also be distributed to losing semi-finalists, quarter-finalists, pre-quarter-finalists, and players who do not advance to the knockout phase. Additionally, a prize of Rs 50,000 will be given to the player with the highest break.
Expect high-quality billiards action and intense competition as players vie for the prestigious title and cash prizes at the CCI Billiards Classic 2024.