Every big tournament I win, I give part of myself to it: Pankaj Advani

The World Snooker Championship title in Egypt is your third world title in four months, and 15th overall. You've made winning a habit...
It's not easy. It seems easier than it actually is. There's a lot of preparation that goes into it, a lot of energy that I have to put into getting these kind of results. But it's very fulfilling because I think I've worked really hard in the last four years, and it's paying off now. To win title after title in both snooker and billiards is very satisfying. Those who know the game, who follow it and understand the technique involved know how difficult it is to manage both versions of the sport, because people normally specialise in one.

You're 30, and you were playing against an 18-year-old Chinese, Zhua Xintong. He attacked a lot in the final. Was there pressure on you to deliver against a talented youngster like him?
He's extremely talented and has got a great natural ability and flair. He's got a punishing offensive game, and I understood all this before. Everyone knew it was a battle of youth versus – I wouldn't call myself a veteran – but experience. So, obviously, I'm more seasoned that way because I've played in England for two years, I've played a lot more tournaments in both billiards and snooker. And this guy is just coming up. He was really hungry for this.

It was a great contest. I had to use my defensive skills at times to keep him at bay. He had to use some of his attacking style of play to put me out of frame. It the end, it was a very close match. It's so tough to beat the Chinese guys because they are so dedicated, so thirsty. They have the training methods, they go to England to practice, they have the facilities. And that's why to beat a Chinese in the final feels very special. Also, there was more crowd support for him because he was the younger player, and I had to deal with all of that. There was just a lot of pressure to deal with.

We know you're a Roger Federer fan. Like him, you seem to be getting better with age. Eight of your 15 world titles have come after 2010, after you've crossed 25...
I think you when you start off playing, you're still learning a lot of things even if you're winning. But now I've reached a stage where I think I'm developing my real game and adding new dimensions to it. I'm looking at ways to improve constantly. I don't want to stop right here. Of course, I've achieved whatever I had to. But there's always new things to learn and further refine your game and take it to a new level. So I feel I'm right in the middle, right at the peak. I still feel that there's a way to go, not in terms of achievements, but improvements. I'm just enjoying developing as a sportsperson.

You won the World Six-Red Snooker Championship in August, the World Billiards Championship (Time Format) in September and now the World Snooker Championship. Which one was more satisfying?
Just to give everyone a perspective of things, in the last three months I had the World Six-Red in August in Pakistan. I won that and then I had just one week to prepare for the World Billiards. I didn't win the short format but eventually won the long format. Then after a month I was there for the World Snooker. So it's been all different kinds of formats, and the approach and preparation for each of them is so different from the other. But yes, I think this one (World Snooker) is really special, because I won this tournament after a gap of 12 years. It just shows how tough, competitive and unpredictable snooker is. The very nature of the game makes it so difficult to win titles consistently. I'm glad that I now have more than one title in each of the different formats of the game. It's very, very satisfying.

In fact, you're the only person to win both short and long formats of snooker in the same year. We hear cricketers talk about the challenges of adjusting to different formats in their sport. How tough is it for you?
Oh, it's really tough. One, because snooker is so unpredictable. Two, the style of the game has changed. It's become more positive, more attacking. It thus becomes really difficult to deliver consistently because some days you have a player performing outstandingly well and then you have no answers. So you've got to really apply yourself from start to finish.

As far as adjusting to formats is concerned, it's all about the mindset. You've got to be aware, you've got to understand and have knowledge of the game. I'm glad that I've had people like Arvind Sahu who has coached me from the beginning of my career and imparted that knowledge in me. Even Manoj Kothari was there in Egypt as our national coach and he also guided me a lot. My brother Shree, who is a sports psychologist. I talk to him before important games. I just can't tell you how invaluable those tips are. When someone says 'you're the favourite in this final', that itself gives you such a boost. Shree told me that before my final.

You had said earlier that juggling between snooker and billiards is a herculean task. Do you feel you are getting better at it?
Yes, definitely. I feel I'm getting better at the juggling business. Especially this year, because I've managed to win more snooker titles than billiards. And for me, that's so refreshing. I just can't describe the feeling, because I know how much of myself I had to give to win these big tournaments. And every big tournament that I win, I give a part of myself to it. It's just wonderful to see the results coming in, because in sport there are no guarantees. Sometime you might be playing really well and you're just unable to finish it off. So I'm glad all the ingredients are coming together now and I'm able to perform at my near best.

But are you also looking at the longevity of your career at this stage, and maybe thinking about giving up one sport?
Not at all. Honestly, I'm really enjoying my game, enjoying the juggling act. I'd obviously love to help youngsters out as well, but I can't get into active coaching as playing takes a lot of my time. I'd love to see the sport grow in India, come on television. I'll do whatever it takes as a performer and the representative of my country to ensure that happens.

You won four world titles last year, and three this year. Do you feel this is the best you've ever played?
Yes, the last two years have definitely been the best of my career by far. Earlier, I was still growing as a player. I was young, fearless. Now, there is still a bit of that fearless element in me, which is great. But at the same, I've understood that there are certain things you can do, and certain things you can't. I think I've been able to understand myself better and feel comfortable enough in my skin. And that is so crucial for any performer, whether you're a sportsperson, an actor, an artist or whatever. To be able to confidently project yourself and your unique individual style to the world, that's where I am right now.

You'd want to maintain this level next year as well, isn't it?
Yes, of course. I'd love not only to maintain, but also improve on what I've done this year. And I'm not talking about results. When people talk about results, they feel that it has to be a success story. Otherwise, it's not a story worth telling. But for me, it's just about playing the beautiful game, playing the right game, and evolving. And I'm glad I'm in the process of evolving and playing the game the way it should be played. So whether I win or not, there's one thing for sure, I'd love to improve my level.

Have you already started looking ahead to the next season?
I'm not thinking about anything right now (laughs). There's a national level billiards event starting in Bengaluru tomorrow (Tuesday). I'll play that. But for me, this is the end of the year now. It's time to celebrate.

A GLITTERING CABINET
World Billiards Championship (Time Format): 2015, 2014, 2012, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005
World Snooker Championship: 2015, 2003
World Six-Red Snooker Championship: 2015, 2014
World Billiards Championship (Points Format): 2014, 2008, 2005
World Team Billiards Championship: 2014