Snooker on the up in Gujarat State

A knock-on effect from Mehta and Advani being in the Pros, the publicity for the Indian Open and Pankaj Advani and Rupesh Shah winning the World Billiards titles last year?

Gujarat State in India is the home state of Geet Sethi (9 Billiards World titles - 6 Pro and 3 amateur) and Rupesh Shah (2 Billiards World titles - 2007 Amateur points, 2012 Pro/Am timed).

This year it has had a record number of entries for its State Billiards & Snooker Championship. Where there are normally about 140 entries across all categories, this year has seen a record 258 players enter - including 67 for Junior Snooker, and 65 for Sub-Junior Snooker.