KARACHI: Veteran cueist Mohammad Asif smashed the tournament’s highest break as the top seeds delivered commanding performances on the third day of the National Snooker Championship here at the NBP Sports Complex on Thursday.

Asif, a three-time world champion, eclipsed the previous benchmark of 133 with a superb 134 clearance during his 4-0 rout of Aftab Baig. The NBP player, who also crafted a 112 break, affirmed his status as a prime title contender.

The day belonged to the tournament’s elite, with defending champion Shahid Aftab maintaining his flawless run. The Punjab potter dispatched Mudassar Yaqoob 4-0, sealing his victory with a 108 break.

Former national champion Asjad Iqbal was equally ruthless, firing two century breaks of 127 and 103 in a 4-0 win against Barjeesh Khan.

Their dominance underscored a trend among the favourites. Last year’s runner-up Mohammad Sajjad secured a 4-0 win, while 2022 world champion Ahsan Ramzan, 20, also won his match 4-0 against Mohamamd Abdullah.

Other players maintained strong form Abdul Sattar, who held the previous high break, won 4-0 with a 112 break. Ahmar Tariq, Rana Irfan and Aakash Rafique also recorded victories to bolster their knockout stage prospects.

Further down the order, Ian Mark John and Amir Sohail secured 4-2 victories, while Sheikh Mohammad Mudassir won a tense seven-frame encounter against Ali Raza. Mubashir Raza continued his strong run with a 4-1 win over fellow century-maker Sohaib Asad .

The group stage continues on Friday with the final round of matches, determining the 24 players who will advance to the knockout phase.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2026