Sourav Kothari from India 2025 IBSF Timed Format World Billiards Champion here in the SBI Academy in Carlow beating Pankaj Advani from India.
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In a thrilling finale at the Snooker and Billiards Ireland (SBI) Academy, the world of cue sports witnessed an unforgettable clash between two of India’s finest — Sourav Kothari and Pankaj Advani, as they battled for the IBSF World Billiards Championship 2025 (Timed Format) title. The championship match, played on Table 7 and officiated by Australia’s Shuangyu Jia, delivered everything fans of professional billiards and snooker hoped for — precision, passion, and powerful scoring.
Sourav Kothari emerged as the new world champion with an emphatic win, scoring 725 points to Advani’s 480. His brilliant break of 325 was the match’s standout moment and marked one of the finest in recent championship history. Kothari also notched up breaks of 119 and 112, showcasing exceptional composure, focus, and cue control. Earlier in the tournament, during the group stage, Kothari registered the highest break of 490 — a feat that earned him a special award and further cemented his dominance in the championship.
This victory marks a historic first IBSF timed format title for Sourav Kothari — the son of billiards legend and 1990 world champion Manoj Kothari. His triumph is a proud continuation of his family legacy and a shining moment in his decorated career, reinforcing his growing reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the international cue sports circuit.
On the other side of the table stood the ever-iconic Pankaj Advani, a multiple-time world champion and a name synonymous with excellence in both billiards and snooker. Advani displayed his trademark brilliance with impressive breaks of 129, 116, and 112. Though he finished with the silver medal, his presence and performance added immense prestige to the championship and inspired players and fans alike.
The bronze medal was jointly awarded to Dhruv Sitwala of India and David Causier of England, both of whom showcased remarkable consistency and skill throughout the tournament. Sitwala, a seasoned competitor, once again demonstrated his elite caliber, while Causier’s performance reaffirmed his place among the global greats of the sport.
The presence of three Indian cueists among the medalists, alongside England’s David Causier, reflects the growing strength and consistency of Indian players on the international stage. While Kothari’s win and Sitwala’s podium finish underscored India’s depth in talent, Advani’s stellar performance and runner-up finish validated his stature as one of the sport’s most enduring and inspiring figures. Causier’s bronze medal finish added a strong international dimension to the championship, reinforcing the global appeal and competitiveness of the IBSF World Billiards Championship.
As the sport continues to evolve and gain popularity, especially in both the timed and points formats of world billiards, champions like Sourav Kothari, Pankaj Advani, Dhruv Sitwala, and David Causier are ensuring that the legacy and excitement of cue sports remain vibrant and inspiring on the global stage.
Carlow witnessed a spectacular finish to the championship, but the journey doesn’t end here. Even more thrilling cue sports action awaits in 2025.
