New Delhi: India’s Sourav Kothari successfully defended his title at the IBSF World Billiards Championship 2026 with a commanding victory over compatriot Pankaj Advani in the final held in Carlow, Ireland. In a one-sided contest that lasted nearly three hours, Kothari outclassed the multiple-time world champion with a convincing scoreline of 1133 to 477.
The 41-year-old began cautiously but soon settled into his rhythm, displaying exceptional control and composure. Once he found momentum, Kothari dominated the table with remarkable consistency, leaving little room for Advani to respond. His performance was highlighted by a series of high-scoring breaks, including runs of 485, 241, 155 unfinished, 121, and 90, showcasing his precision and focus under pressure.
Advani, a seasoned champion and one of the pre-tournament favourites, attempted to stay in contention with notable breaks of 141, 119, and 64. However, he struggled to match Kothari’s sustained scoring and was unable to build significant pressure during the final.
Kothari’s path to the title included strong performances throughout the tournament, where he overcame tough opponents to reach the summit clash. Advani too had entered the final in impressive form, but the decisive encounter saw Kothari take complete control, denying his rival opportunities to settle.
This triumph marked Kothari’s second consecutive world title, having also defeated Advani in the previous edition at the same venue. While last year’s final was competitive, this year’s result underlined his clear dominance.
The victory carried deep personal significance for Kothari. At the end of the match, he looked upward in an emotional tribute to his late father, a former world champion, dedicating the win to his memory.
Kothari’s latest achievement further strengthens his standing among India’s finest billiards players, reflecting both his experience and enduring excellence on the global stage.
