KARACHI: The reigning junior world champion Mohammad Naseem Akhtar made an impressive debut when he sent Egypt’s Amir Al-Tahtawy packing 4-2 in his opening match of the IBSF 6-Reds Snooker Championship in Hurghada on Wednesday.

Akhtar, who is also national junior under-18 and under-21 champion, is making his maiden appearance in the senior event for the first time.

According to information made available here, he walked away with an authoritative 13-44, 40-26, 54-14, 69-0, 12-36, 44-15 victory over his opponent.

Meanwhile, Asjad Iqbal and Babar Masih also won their matches while former national champion Moham­mad Asif also earned full points by default when his Lib­yan opponent Salah Grira failed to turn up for his match.

Iqbal trounced Syrian Yazan Alhadad 4-2 (41-8, 32-27, 44-14, 33-39, 2-40, 35-8) while Masih was home straight against Egyptian Mohamed Essam (55-1, 75-0, 46-22, 45-29).

Mohammad Sajjad is the fourth Pakistan cueist competing in the event.

Over 100 players belonging to 22 nations are competing in the 6-Reds event that will be followed by team event.

Results: Asjad Iqbal bt Yazan Alhadad (Syria) 4-2 (41-8, 32-27, 44-14, 33-39, 2-40, 35-8); Mohammad Naseem Akhtar by Amir Al-Tahtawy (Egypt) 4-2 (13-44, 40-26, 54-14, 69-0, 12-36, 44-15); Babar Masih bt Mohamed Essam (Egypt) 4-0 (55-1, 75-0, 46-22, 45-29); Mohammad Asif bt Salah Grira (Libya) walkover.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2017