If there's too much ignition advance that too can cause knock or pinking. Just that this time it is the ignition timing which is too advanced or the fuel RON rating is too low.
Modern engines use knock sensors so knocking caused by over advance is quickly fixed by the ECU, which retards the ignition timing in response to signals from the knock sensor. Most do this on a cylinder by cylinder basis using one sensor per cylinder bank. Obviously the ECU knows which cylinder due to fire, thus identify the offending cylinder. A lean air:fuel ratio can also cause premature ignition.
For efficiency it's always best for the ignition to be advanced as far as possible, right up until the point that it's on the verge of knocking.