KARACHI, May 28: World and Asian 6-Redball snooker champion Mohammad Asif included in the team at the last minute, guided Pakistan to an emphatic 3-1 triumph in group ‘A’ opener of the inaugural Asian snooker team championship at Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday.

According to information made available here, besides Pakistan and Kuwait, the group ‘A’ includes Hong Kong and Iran.

Previously, two cueists — national champion Hamza Akbar and Mohammad Majid Ali — were named to represent the country in the team contests but perhaps change of format paved the way for Asif’s inclusion in the three-member team.

Jittery in beginning, Asif, who captured the 6-Redball title at the same venue on Monday evening, lost the opening singles 30-60 to his opponent but Hamza restored parity winning the next singles 70-30.

The pair of Asif and Majid gave Pakistan 2-1 lead winning the doubles 80-7 while Asif sealed the fate when he romped home 78-6 in the next singles to post 3-1 victory in the best of five frames battle.

Competing teams have been drawn into four groups and on completion of league matches, top two from each will advance into knockout quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Pakistan thrashed Hong Kong 3-1 in the group’s second fixture on Tuesday evening to ensure a smooth passage in the knockout quarter-finals.

Pakistan play their third and last fixture of the group against Iran on Wednesday.

Results:

Pakistan bt Kuwait 3-1 (30-60, 70-30, 80-7, 78-6); Pakistan bt Hong Kong 3-1 (8-60, 79-64, 71-43, 57-14)