Pankaj Advani bags record 28th World Billiards title
New Delhi, Nov 9: Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani clinched a historic 28th world title, seventh in a row, defeating England’s Robert Hall 4-2 at the IBSF World Billiards Championship in Doha on Saturday.
Advani’s winning streak had begun in 2016 and has also survived two years (2020, 2021) of vacuum created by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hall took an early lead in the opening frame, but the Indian rallied to reach the magic 150 first. He then delivered an astonishing unfinished 147 break in the second frame, leaving Hall stunned. The third frame was a masterclass in tactical brilliance from both finalists.
Advani emerged victorious in the cerebral duel, positioning himself just one frame away from making history.
However, Hall refused to bow out quietly, crafting a flawless 151 break in the fourth frame to keep his hopes alive.
The fifth frame saw Hall on fire once more, delivering another stunning 154 break to level the pressure on Advani.
But the Bengaluru man elevated his game in the sixth frame with a crucial century break. After a series of strategic safety exchanges, the Indian maestro crossed the finish line.
“It feels amazing to be on a winning streak of world billiards titles. It wasn’t easy though. The competition was tough.
“When I was not in full flow, it was my brother Shree, a sports psychologist, who came to the rescue. He helped me stay in the present and kept the scoreboard ticking. This win is for my country and family,” said Advani.
Score (Final): Pankaj Advani (India) beat Robert Hall (England): 151(71)-94(87), 151(147)-0, 150-84, 74(74)-151(151), 6-154(154), 152(105)-46.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Kharge criticizes Modi government over economic policies
New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp critique of the BJP-led central government on Thursday, accusing it of creating widespread "economic turmoil" that has deeply impacted the lives of ordinary citizens.
In a post on X, Kharge alleged that the Modi government has no solution to the economic challenges it has created, citing seven key indicators to illustrate what he described as a "mess" in the economy.
Highlighting a significant rise in gold loans and non-performing assets (NPAs) by 50% and 30% respectively, Kharge claimed that these are signs of growing financial distress among households. He also noted that private consumption has slowed over the last eight quarters and remains below pre-COVID levels.
Car sales growth, according to Kharge, has plunged to a four-year low, while wage growth in critical sectors like engineering, manufacturing, and infrastructure has stagnated, growing at a meager compound annual rate of 0.8% over the past five years.
He further criticized the government for an average food inflation rate of 7.1% over the last eight quarters, indirect taxation on essential items through GST, and declining household savings, now at their lowest level in 50 years. Increasing household financial liabilities, which have reached 6.4% of GDP, were also highlighted as a pressing concern.
Kharge underscored the rupee's all-time low, which he said has led to foreign fund outflows and losses for small investors, exacerbating financial challenges.
Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly, Kharge remarked, "Narendra Modi ji, your annual 'New Year Resolutions' have been nothing short of JUMLAS, destroying the lives of EVERY CITIZEN!"
Modi Govt has NO solution for the Economic Turmoil it has created!
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) January 2, 2025
7 indicators that illustrate the extent of mess in the lives of ordinary Indians.
1⃣50% increase in Gold Loans and 30% jump in gold loan NPAs.
2⃣Private consumption - the total value of goods and services… pic.twitter.com/zhGxIQo7bJ
