Pankaj Advani beats former World No.1 Higgins

Furth, Aug 25 (IANS) India's Pankaj Advani proved his mettle on Day 2 of the European Tour 2 Paul Hunter Classic by winning three matches in the same day stamping his authority at the Professional Snooker Circuit.

In the best-of-seven frames, the Indian cueist bagged his first game of the day beating 26-year-old Martin O'Donnell 4-0. Pankaj then moved on to Round 4 to face England's Ian Burns. Carrying the momentum, Advani was quick off the blocks and secured his second victory 4-1.

The 27-year-old took on former World No.1 John Higgins of Scotland in the third match Friday.

Higgins, currently ranked seven, did not allow the Indian to score in the first frame, winning it 1-0. Advani fought back to equalise in the second frame.

In a closely contested third frame, John Higgins scored a 66 break. With only 67 points on the table, Advani proceeded to score a 67-break taking a 2-1 lead. Scoring a break of 60 in the fourth frame and 50 in the fifth frame, Pankaj stormed to a 4-1 victory.

The Asian Games champion is now drawn to play experienced Englishman Mark King for a place in the quarterfinals.