Sourav Kothari.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Sourav Kothari on Thursday said the bubble of numbness around him, following the death of his father and former World champion Manoj Kothari in January, insulated him from pressure and helped him retain his IBSF World billiards title in Carlow, Ireland.
In a repeat of last year’s World championships final, Kothari defeated Pankaj Advani 1133-477 to defend his crown. Kothari, who was close to his father-cum-coach, described his achievement as ‘bittersweet.’
“I didn’t have any expectations. The world around me has suddenly become a little empty, I’ve just become numb. That probably helped me win this world title,” said Kothari at a virtual press conference, organised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), on Thursday.
Published – April 30, 2026 08:15 pm IST
