When Pankaj Advani decided to take part in the world billiards championship, he had quietly made a promise to himself that nothing short of silverware would satisfy him and he kept his date with destiny.

The only active player to compete at the highest level in both billiards and snooker, Advani had made a tough choice of picking the world billiards in Leeds over international snooker championships in China. "I feel relieved and proud of my decision. Whene-ver I've had to make a choice (2006 Asian Games is another example), I've come through. I guess the pressure of missing out on something makes me want to outdo myself in what I choose even more," said Advani from Leeds. "It was a tough decision but your heart seldom lets you down. I had a great feeling about the world billiards this time and followed the calling."

Advani notched up his seventh world title after beating Mike Russell 1895-1216 in the Time Format final in Leeds late on Sunday, becoming the youngest Indian ever to win eight world titles in any sport after his recent triumph, and the only player in the world to win a professional world title in billiards while participating in the professional snooker circuit.