KARACHI: Two-time national champion Mohammad Asif remained in contention for the title while crossing another hurdle by routing Egyptian Yaser Elsherbiny 4-1 in the last 64 round as compatriot Asjad Iqbal met his fate in the IBSF World Snooker Championship at Sofia, Bulgaria, on Thursday.

Asif, who emerged group H champion with 14-plus frames, was in punishing mood as he cruised to an emphatic 65-28, 109-26, 78-45, 28-69, 59-6 victory over Egyptian opponent to reach the last 32 round.

The 30-year-old Asif is slated to meet Australian Vinnie Calabrese in the last 32 round on Friday.

Asjad, who followed pursuit by notching up a hard fought 4-3 win over Hong Kong’s Chi Wai Au to top group P with unbeaten record on Wednesday evening, crashed out losing 3-4 to England’s Billy Castle after leading 3-1 in the gruelling knockout battle on Thursday.

The Englishman made a fine comeback in the match cruising to 16-108, 44-65, 94-7, 9-95, 66-40, 83-44, 88-16 victory over the former national junior champion to halt his winning run.

 Results: Asjad Iqbal bt Chi Wai Au (Hong Kong) 4-3 (76-4, 100-40, 6-94, 55-59, 92-16, 15-88, 73-4).

Last 64 round: Mohammad Asif bt Yaser Elsherbiny (Egypt) 4-1 (65-28, 109-26, 78-45, 28-69, 59-6); Billy Castle (England) bt Asjad Iqbal 4-3 (16-108, 44-65, 94-7, 9-95, 66-40, 83-44, 88-16).