Seven-time former world champion Geet Sethi of India beat back a strong field to clinch the Speed Billiards Elite title, at the PYC Hindu Gymkhana, in Pune on Saturday.
Sethi garnered 261 points to overcome compatriots, second placed Pankaj Advani (243 points) and Rishabh Thakkar (188 points).
Sethi received Rs. 25,000, while Advani earned Rs. 15,000 and Thakkar Rs. 5,000.
Vignesh Sanghvi of Poona Club bagged the Rookie title with a tally of 90 points. His effort earned him Rs. 20,000.
An exciting innovation in cue sport, Speed Billiards was introduced during the 4th Asian Billiards Championship and involved the participation of players featuring in championship.
There were six formats to adhere to which had to be completed in a mandatory 10 minutes. The six tests of skill included, All-Round Play (3 minutes), Red Ball In-off (1 min), The Harry Potter Mania (1 min), The Cannon Ball Run (1 min), Zero Error Hero (2 min), Twice as Nice (2 min).
Besides the eight in the main draw, Devendra Joshi, Michael Ferreira, Manoj Kothari, Arvind Savur and Anuja Thakur were allotted wild cards.
Results: Elite: 1. Geet Sethi (261 pts), 2. Pankaj Advani (243), 3. Rishabh Thakkar (188).
Rookie: Vignesh Sanghavi (Poona Club)
