COLOMBO, July 4: Pakistan’s Khurram Agha and Imran Shahzad advanced to the quarter-finals of the 22nd Asian Snooker Championship by overcoming Malaysia’s Kein Foot Young and Susantha Botjeu of Sri Lanka respectively at a hotel on Tuesday.
Khurram defeated his opponent 4-2. The 29-year-old picked-up the opening frame 72-31.
But Kein Young came back in style and grabbed second frame 96-31.
Khurram put his Malaysian rival under pressure by capturing third and fourth frame 66-26 and 76-45 to gain a 3-1 advantage.
Unruffled by the situation, Kein Young again bounced back in the match by winning fifth frame 75-26.
Khurram compiled a brilliant break of 77 in the final frame to seize a well-deserved victory.
“The win against experienced Kein Young boosted my confidence. That is an important win and I am looking forward to accomplish another victory in the quarter-final,” said delighted Khurram Agha.
Another Pakistani who made his mark was Imran Shahzad. He outclassed Susantha Botjeu 4-0 in a one-sided affair.
Khurram will play Yuan Li of China in the quarter-final on Tuesday while Imran will take on Singapore’s Boon Aun Keith.