For two-time World Ladies Billiards champion, Chitra Magimairaj, life has definitely become greener, quite literally, ever since she took up interest in the game of the green baize. Life has not been a smooth ride for this Bangalorean sports star, and her success story has lessons to teach us all. Cue sports may be her passion now, but this was not her first love. She was a promising state-level hockey player until a serious knee injury in 1994 brought an end to her illustrious career. The incident would have been a setback for most 20-year-olds, but like the true sportsperson she is, she didn’t choose to crib over her injury and started looking for alternative sports wherein she wouldn’t be much physically strained. “It was a huge blow, but I had to move on,” says Chitra, who is now the reigning queen of billiards in India. Moving from one sports to another and then excelling in it is not an easy task. It is all about one’s determination. Back then, golf and billiards were the options she could think of as there is no age and physical barrier in these sports. And she chose billiards over golf, all for the good. “Golf was very expensive. Also, as my father was an ITI employee, I had easy access to cue tables at the ITI Sports Club. I gave a shot at it and immediately started liking the game. It was during my initial game sessions at ITI that renowned billiards player, Arvind Savur, noticed my hard work and passion, and asked me to join the Karnataka State Billiards Association (KSBA) as a member and start training there,” says Chitra. It is 14 years since she has been in the world of cue sports and has earned great laurels at national and international levels. She has faced several hurdles, such as lack of financial and good training support. In a cricket-frenzied country like India, it’s difficult for players from other sports to win sponsorship. One needs to perform exceptionally. But the scene has changed ever since she won her first World Ladies Billiards title in 2006. Chitra has recently left for the upcoming WLBSA championship to be held at Cambridge from April 4 —10. Past few weeks have been very hectic for her, with six hours of rigorous game practice, doctor visits, yoga and meditation. “This is all part of my training programme,” says the cue specialist. She missed her hatrick trail last year after losing at the semi-final, but she is upbeat this time. “I am mentally strong, I had ace players like Raj Mohan and M G Jayaram coaching me. I am going to give the best,” she adds. 2009 has been great so far. Tata Sons has renewed her sponsorship and the Sports Authority of Karnataka has awarded her a grant that covers her travelling expenses