KARACHI, July 24: Pakistan’s ace cueist Saleh Muhammad made a stunning start with a break of 110 and comfortable straight-frame victory over his own pupil Hisham Al Saqer of Bahrain in the Asian snooker championship in Bangkok, Thailand.

According to information received here on Sunday, Saleh, seeded third in the event, looked in impressive form as he routed Hisham 72-11, 76-0, 110-0, 57-33.

The 32-year-old from Peshawar, who is bidding for his first Asian crown in his eighth attempt, potted the multicoloured masterly as his young opponent watched helplessly.

After grabbing the first frame 72-11, Saleh carved out a lovely break of 72 in the second frame and looked in top form when he slammed the break of 110- the highest of the opening day in 21-nation contest.

Former world and Asian champion Muhammad Yousuf, though won his opening match against Sam Loh of Malaysia, was taken to full distance before he won the decisive frame.

The 54-year-old Yousuf featuring in his record 14th Asian championship made an encouraging start by taking a 3-1 lead with a break of 67 in the opening frame.

Malaysian Sam Loh soon regained his cue control after early defeats and took the next two frames to set up an exciting final, but he failed to scuttle Yousuf’s march who took the decider with a break of 50 and sealed victory.—APP