Advani welcomes BSFI decision

Seven-time World Champion Pankaj Advani was sceptical of Billiards and Snooker Federation of India replacing the traditional bow-tie dress code with casual attires immediately but he urged the authorities to implement the idea at the earliest.

“I got the news, but I really don’t know if it will take shape,” said Advani, a major voice in attempting to change the dress code. “The idea is still in its primary phase but they should try and implement it,” the Bangalorean said on Wednesday. The informal dress code is already in use in pool, and several selection camps in recent times have also allowed the cueists to play in jeans and T-shirts. Advani said the bow-tie made it hard to breathe and the restriction in movement affected the game. “I have had this problem for a really long time and the move is very justifiable. I perfer to be able to move freely as the sport depends on it. They have brought in the change for pool and it would be really good if they do the same for billiards and snooker.” The Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited cuiest, who qualified for the Asian Games with a pole finish at the recently conducted snooker selection camp in Bangalore, said he was satisfied with his show in the camp and hoped to do well in the Games to be held in Guangzhou, China from November 12 to 27.