KARACHI, Oct 22: Pakistan’s top-notch cueist Saleh Muhammad maintained his dazzling form in the World Snooker Championship by reaching the last-16 stage at Jiangmen City (China) Wednesday with his second century break of the competition.

According to information received by Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA), Saleh chalked out an exciting 5-3 win over Martin McCrudden of Ireland after an intriguing two hour and 40 minutes tussle.

Diminutive Saleh from Peshawar compiled the break of 103 in third frame in his 68-67, 05-86, 103-0, 96-09, 31-51, 37-73, 63-22, 57-23 triumph.

Former world number three in 1998. Saleh got off to sterling start by taking 3-1 lead. But Irishman McCrudden fought-back to level the score 3-3. Playing tactically Saleh snatched the next two frame with skilful safety play to seize victory.

Earlier on Tuesday, Saleh ended his group outing with another brilliant showing by handing out a 4-2 defeat on Mei Xiwen of China with two superb breaks of 89 in the second and 75 in the fifth frame.

This was 31-year-old Saleh’s best performance in the league rounds as he won all his ten league encounters to remain unbeaten.

Highly talented but unpredictable Saleh took the opening two frames with ease. But Xiwen fought back to level terms two-all.

Pakistan number came back in style took the next two frames with chalk-out 73-49, 89-22, 17-50, 8-67, 76-08, 73-67 victory.

On the basis of his winning all his ten group “D” games, Saleh was reseeded second behind Phaithoon Phonbun of Thailand who also won his all his league games.

Pakistan top cueist Khurram Agha was unlucky not to make to the knock-out stage by just one frame difference.—APP