In what unfolded as an epic tug-of-war on the green baize, veteran maestro Ashok Shandilya summoned every ounce of his legendary prowess to outlast the valiant Rohan Jumbusaria in a pulsating pre-quaternary clash at the CCI Billiards Classic 2025.
From the outset, Jumbusaria held command, dictating the pace and pulling ahead with tactical brilliance. Yet, the seasoned warrior in Shandilya refused to bow out. With the poise of a champion and the nerve forged through decades at the sport’s highest echelons, the Central Railway stalwart clawed his way back, frame by frame.
What followed was a cat-and-mouse spectacle, as both cueists exchanged breaks, counters, and mind games in a match that had the Wilson Jones Billiards Room holding its collective breath. Shandilya’s eyes remained steely, every pot laced with purpose, and every safety shot, a chess move.
As the frames ticked 4-3 in favor of the former World Champion and double Asian Games gold medallist, the room erupted in awe. Shandilya — now the national coach — proved once again that class is indeed permanent.
With this victory, the Indian cueing icon advances into the Top 8, inching closer to yet another chapter of glory in his storied career.
Stay tuned with Sportal for more updates from the CCI Classic battlefield.
