The Karnataka State Billiards Association wore a festive look on Tuesday, as home grown hero Pankaj Advani was given a warm welcome after clinching the Asian Billiards title. Although tired, the 22-year-old Bangalorean soaked in the accolades.

Speaking about the victory against Rupesh Shah in the final, he said: "This is the closest final I have ever played. I was in the drivers seat cruising at 4-2, but Rupesh did not let go so easily. He got back with two 200 breaks and from 2-4, he made it 4-4. Actually both of us were nervous and made quite a few errors and blunders. But I held my nerves and clinched the decider by 12 points."

After claiming many invitational snooker tournament titles earlier in the year, this was Pankaj's first major billiards outing in almost six months. When asked if that effected his rhythm initially he said: "Snooker tournaments held me in the match mood. It did not affect me much, although I was a little rusty initially, things fell in place later."

After a well deserved break, Pankaj will held to Dubai for the Asian snooker championship from May 3-10.