Date:09/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/09/stories/2005040901431700.htm

Sport - Billiards & Snooker

Advani to skip Asian U-21 championship

NEW DELHI, APRIL 8. Pankaj Advani has opted out of the Asian under-21 snooker championship, to be held in Bangkok from April 18 to 24, in order to concentrate on academics.

In his absence, Maharashtra's Aditya Mehta will lead the Indian challenge.

Ayush Kumar of Punjab replaces Advani in the three-member squad to be coached by Sanjay Sawant, the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India Vice-President, R. K. Tandon said. Rishabh Thakkar is the other member of the team.

Advani, who was considered one of the favourites to win the crown, was preparing for his second year B. Com examination to be held immediately after the event.

In the absence of Advani in the Asian meet, all hopes would rest on Mehta, who is no novice. The Mumbai cueist had finished third in the last edition of the competition in Malaysia and also reached the quarterfinals of the World under-21 event last year.

He has been placed in Group D, while Thakkar and Ayush begin their campaign in Group E and C, respectively. — PTI