DOHA: Pakistan’s snooker trio Ahsan Ramzan, Mohammad Asif and Asjad Iqbal secured resounding victories to storm into the last-16 stage of the IBSF World Snooker Championship qualifiers on Thursday.

In Thursday’s fixtures, the cueists showcased their skills, winning their respective round-32-matches. The 19-year-old Ahsan, thrashed Sweden’s Shivan Mohammedali 4-0 [91(53)-04, 93(61)-06, 105(105)-0, 56-17], compiling a century break (105) along the way.

Asjad, the 31-year-old current national champion, dominated Turkey’s Melih Egemen 4-0 [66-34, 75-21, 74-04, 76(59)-32], while seasoned veteran Muhammad Asif, 42, a two-time amateur world snooker champion, defeated Finland’s Jason Sormunen 4-1 [94-10, 74-21, 67-69(50), 72(51)-12, 94(94)-0].

In the last-16 round, Asjad will face compatriot Asif, while Ahsan 2022 World Amateur Champion, take on Thaha Irshath of Sri Lanka.

Wednesday’s action saw Ahsan and Asif bouncing back from their defeats earlier on Tuesday with convincing wins in the round-of-64 match.

Ahsan overcame Oman’s Sami Al Hamrashdi 4-1, while Asif edged Qatar’s Mohammad Al-Binali 4-2.

Asjad, however, suffered a setback in his first attempt towards securing the semi-final spot, losing 4-1 to Germany’s Simon Lichtenberg.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2024