Hyderabad: Pankaj Advani would play John Hartley of England in the opening match of the world billiards championship which will see 48 cueists from 20 nations battle it out on the green baize here from Monday.

Former world champion Geet Sethi has been given the top billing in the meet where Advani will start his campaign, after the formal inauguration, in group E which will be officiated by McGilivary of Ireland, the only woman referee in the world.

Two toppers of the eight groups after the round robin league stage would enter the knockout phase. Six professionals, three from India and three foreigners, would display their skills in trick shots on the inaugural day with each cueist getting five minutes time. (PTI)