Calcutta: Pankaj Advani did not really expect to be stretched in the semi-finals by Siddharth Parikh of the Railways, here, on Friday. But after winning an unexpectedly tough match, he looked relieved.

The 12-time world champion conceded that he did find it a tad difficult to keep himself motivated at the national level. “I like playing in the nationals as we are a very close-knit circuit. But yes, it is difficult to motivate myself to play at this level after winning world titles.

“I definitely did not expect such a tough semi-final (Pankaj won 4-2). And yes, I am relieved to be in the final,” he said.

“I need to earn qualification for the Asian Championships. That is why the nationals are important to me this time,” he said. Last year, Pankaj had taken part in the national snooker championships, but had given billiards a miss.

Pankaj, however, was all praise for Parikh. “He played a splendid game. This tournament has shown that Indian cue sport has very strong players,” he added.

Pankaj explained his sluggish form on Friday, saying it was not really a good day for him.