Karachi: Talented cueist Hamza Akbar did Pakistan proud by hammering an elegant break of 127 – fourth highest of the ongoing International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) world amateur championship in Bangalore as he together with compatriots Mohammad Sajjad and Mohamnmad Asif Toba propelled into last-64 knockout round on Tuesday.

Playing his last league match of group C against Brazil’s Vinicius Da Silva Fucuta, Hamza was in aggressive mood right from the word go as he mustered his first century break of 127 in the opening frame to equal similar feat of two Iranians – Ehsan Heydari Nezhad and Amir Sarkosh.

Hamza, who was home 127-0, 92-0, 79-49, 59-9 finished second in the group with five wins out of six behind Kritsanut Lertsattayathorn of Thailand who maintained a clean slate.

Sajjad and Asif lived up to their billing while finishing on top of their respective groups. The former stayed unbeaten in group P winning all five matches while despite losing one match, national champion Asif emerged group R champion.

Playing his last match on Tuesday evening, Asif blanked Indian Sahil Nayyar 4-0 (59-56, 73-41, 70-14, 62-17).

Meanwhile, Sajjad completed his engagements by getting the better of Brijesh Damani of India straight 74-20, 86-14, 69-1, 51-6 on Monday evening.

Results:

Hamza Akbar (Pakistan) bt Vinicius Da Silva Fucuta (Brazil) 4-0 (127-0, 92-0, 79-49, 59-9); Mohammad Asif Toba (Pakistan) bt Sahil Nayyar (India) 4-0 (59-56, 73-41, 70-14, 62-17).

Monday’s remaining result:

Mohammad Sajjad (Pakistan) bt Brijesh Damani (India) 4-0 (74-20, 86-14, 69-1, 51-6).

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2014