KARACHI, Sept 20: Defending champion Naveen Perwani will be facing a strong challenge to retain his title in the 17th Latif Masters Snooker Championship which starts at Karachi Club Billiards Hall from Sunday.

Country’s top-notch 16 cueists will be featuring the last and biggest prize money event of Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) calendar.

The event carry a cash prizes of Rs 240,000 with winner taking home Rs 100,000 and runners-up collects Rs 60,000.

Naveen faces challenge of his life against experienced duo of Muhammad Yousuf, a former world and Asian champion, ex-world number three Saleh Muhammad, 2002 world championship losing pre-quarterfinalist Khurram Agha and fancied Farhan Mirza.

Naveen overpowered Khurram Agha in marathon 13 frames contest to win the title last year.

Khurram being Pakistan number one is top seed for the championship followed by Saleh, Yousuf and Naveen in that order.

Naveen will take on Muhammad Nazir, Khurram clash Rambel Gul in the opening session matches which starts at 10.00 a.m.

Yousuf will be up against Amit Perwani and Saleh pitted against Abu Saim in the second session matches at 12.30 p.m.

The event will also serve as build-up for Khurram and Saleh as they will be representing Pakistan in World Snooker Championship being held at Jian Ming (China) from Oct 12 to 26.

The 16 cuemen are placed in two pools and top two from each group will advance in the semifinal which will be played on Sept 25-26 while final will be contested on Sept 27.

Shah Khan of NWFP was included in the line-up after Arifullah pulled out of the competition because of personal reasons.

Pool “A” comprised Khurram Hussain Agha (KPT), Naveen Perwani (Sindh), Atiq Latif Bakhsh (KPT), Shakeel Bhatti (Sindh), Shahid Khan (NWFP), Muhammad Faiq Malik (Punjab), Muhammad Nazir (Punjab), Rambel Gul (NWFP).

Saleh (KPT) and Yousuf (KPT) are drawn in group “B” with Imran Shahzad (Punjab), Farhan Mirza (Punjab), Vishan Gir (Sindh), Amit Parwani (Sindh), Abu Saim (Punjab).—APP