KARACHI: Pakistan's ace cueist and Asian number two, Muhammad Sajjad is hopeful of regaining the spot on the national ranking charts when the 36th NJI National Snooker Championship breaks off at Karachi Gymkhana Billiards Hall on Monday

Sajjad, who recently returned competed in a professional ranking even in Thailand said that playing at the international level had made him a more skilful player and done his game a world of good.

“Because of big difference at national and international level I was not able to retain the number one ranking in Pakistan,” he told APP in an interview..

“I found it difficult to play on different tables in Pakistan after playing on the international circuit. Playing on consistent tables, alongside the top professionals has raised the standard of my game,” he said.

The 2008 and 2010 national champion said he was confident of claiming a title for a third time and that he expected a tough challenge from current Pakistan number one Imran Shehzad and number two Sohail Shehzad.

Sajjad is placed 4th in the national ranking currently.

He was the first Pakistani to win a Thai national ranking event last year on a wildcard entry.