KARACHI Pakistan has leaped three steps to attain seventh place in the latest world billiard and snooker rankings from its previous position of 10.

The top 10 nations are 1. Thailand, 2. China, 3. Republic of Ireland, 4. England, 5. Wales, 6. India, 7. Pakistan, 8. UAE, 9. Belgium, 10. Scotland.

While speaking to Dawn, Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association President Alamgir Shaikh applauded the performance of Pakistan's No 1 Mohammad Sajjad who after remaining unbeaten in the group and winning first knockout match went down 2-5 to Philip William in the last 32 round.

Sajjad's partner at the championships and Pakistan's No 2 Mohammad Asif did not play up to his potential at the tournament, Shaikh said.

He emphasized the need of proper coaching to enhance the competition level of cueists when needed.

The PBSA secretary Munawwar Shaikh who attended the IBSF moot endorsed the views of the PBSA chief.

Englishman Alfie Burden, meanwhile, won the world snooker title beating Igor Figueiredo of Brazil 10-8 in the closely fought final.