KARACHI: Pakistani quartet sneaked into the knockout round of the IBSF world snooker championship on completion of the league matches in Hurghada, Egypt, on Sunday.

Country’s top three cueists Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Sajjad and Abdul Sattar cruised into the last 64 round by staying unbeaten in their respective groups.

Former world champion Asif chalked up a straight 4-over victory over Tunisian Naffati Moneam (116-9, 80-9, 71-54, 76-17) to finish on top of the group.

Similarly, reigning world No 2 Sajjad blanked Canadian Derek Martin (87-10, 93-3, 114-1, 82-15).

Following the footsteps of compatriots, Sattar also coasted home over Ahmed Janahi of Bahrain 4-0 in similar fashion (75-9, 63-52, 82-47, 113-23, 79-48).

Shahram Changezi, meanwhile, suffered 1-4 loss at the hands of Hong Kong’s Lee Chun Wai. The latter won (67-2, 69-26, 8-69, 74-32, 55-53).

By virtue of defeat, second of the event, Changezi made it to the last 88 round where he meets Saudi Arabian Omar Alajani.

Tuesday is the rest day in the event and the last 64 round matches will be played on Wednesday.

Results:

Mohammad Sajjad bt Derek Martin (Canada) 4-0 (87-10, 93-3, 114-1, 82-15); Lee Chun Wai (Hong Kong) bt Shahram Changezi 4-1 (67-2, 69-26, 8-69, 74-32, 55-53); Mohammad Asif bt Naffati Moneam (Tunisia) 4-0 (116-9, 80-9, 71-54, 76-17); Abdul Sattar bt Ahmed Janahi (Bahrain) 4-0 (75-9, 63-52, 82-47, 113-23).

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2015