India’s accomplished and most successful cue sports player, Pankaj Advani, the proud owner of 25 World titles will be participating in the BSAM (Billiards & Snooker Association of Maharashtra) organized annual Greatwhite-CCI Kekoo Nicholson Mumbai Billiards League 2023, with the first week of matches starting from Monday, April 17, 2023.
The affable Advani, who will be making his maiden appearance in the BSAM League and along with India number two Dhruv Sitwala will be representing the Cricket Club of India team, which had lost to MFC (Mandpeshwar Civic Federation) in last year’s final.
A total of 24 teams, divided into four sections, will play on a round-robin league basis initially. The winning team of each match will be awarded two points and the two teams from each section having the maximum number of points will qualify for the knockout phase.
The fifth and final round matches will be played during the week May 15 to 19. Thereafter the knockout round would commence at the CCI Billiards hall.
The champions will receive the winner’s trophy and a cheque of Rs 66,000, while the runners-up will get Rs 33,000 and the runners-up trophy. The losing semi-finalists will be presented with a cash prize of Rs 16,500 each and the losing quarter-finalists will pocket a purse of Rs 8500 each. There would also be prizes for the highest breaks as per handicap categories.
The participating teams: Bombay Gymkhana, Radio Club, Cricket Club of India, Chembur Gymkhana ‘A’, Chembur Gymkhana ‘B’, Dadar Club, Elphinstone CC, Garware Club House, JVPG (Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana), Khar Gymkhana ‘A’, Khar Gymkhana ‘B’, Matunga Gymkhana ‘A’, Matunga Gymkhana ‘B’, Mandpeshwar Civic Federation (MCF), Malabar Hill Club, MIG CC, Matoshree Club, NSCI ‘A’, NSCI ‘B’, Park Club, P.J. Hindu Gymkhana ‘A’, P.J. Hindu Gymkhana ‘B’, Shivaji Park Gymkhana, Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana.