I don't beat myself up about winning: Pankaj Advani

(life) Pankaj Advani, who recently lifted his 23rd World title, now heads to Australia for the long format of the World Billiards Championships on October 5. However, the ace cueist says he is focused on giving his best, rather than winning.

"As an athlete, one goes out there with the intention of doing well. I don't think about winning necessarily, because it feels like a long way to go and I need to enjoy my game and play as well as I can. I try to give myself the best chance of winning. That's how I approach any tournament. I don't beat myself up about winning. I actually go with the aim of giving the best I can," says Advani.

"In sport, you're not always going to win. And I think you're successful, if you are winning more often than not," he adds.

Advani's feels growing as an athlete is strongly linked to one's persona, and to its public resonance. "When you change your approach towards life in general, it also gets reflected on the table. Sports is followed across the world because it brings out a gamut of emotions," he explains.

On his approach to fitness, the 34-year-old sportsperson said though billiards and snooker don't require muscle-building, being physically fit is an essential.

His fitness focus? "Core exercises, flexibility, improving cardio-vascular capacity, things that enhance endurance level and also keep me mentally and physically sharp and alert," he says, adding that he goes gymming few days a week.

(Siddhi Jain can be contacted at siddhi.j@.in)

( With inputs from IANS )