Leeds: Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani on Friday advanced to the semi-finals of the World Billiards Championship in the time format though he crashed out of the tournament in the point format here.

Advani beat fellow Indian Rupesh Shah 1647-705 in the time format quarter finals to make it to the last four stage. He, however, lost to Peter Gilchrist of Singapore 1-4 in a quarter final match in points format.

Against Rupesh, Advani made a strong start with two double century breaks and four century breaks before he proceeded to pocket the game with a 940-point margin in 180 minutes.

The seven-time world champion Indian faces another compatriot Dhruv Sitwala in the semi-finals.

“I am very happy to be playing fellow Indian and a great friend in the semis. With two Indians at the table, we are guaranteed a spot for the country in the finals of the Timed format and it also gives us a great chance of bringing the title home,” he said.