Indian Pankaj Advani won his seventh Asian title by defeating Sourav Kothari 6 - 3 in final of the Asian Billiards Championship - 2017. In recognition of his achievements, the government of India has bestowed several awards upon Advani - Arjuna Award in 2004. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2006, and Padma Shri in 2009. Advani won the 2014 IBSF World 6 - Red Snooker Championship, on his debut in that discipline.