KARACHI: Veteran Mohammad Asif roared back into form with a blistering display, setting up a blockbuster prequarter-final against defending champion Shahid Aftab as the National Snooker Championship narrowed to its final 16 contenders on Sunday.

Stung by his group stage loss a day earlier, the three-time world champion was in imperious touch, dismantling Zulfiqar A. Qadir 4-0 in the last-24 round. Asif sealed his dominance with back-to-back century breaks of 129 and 119, reasserting his title credentials.

His victory sets the stage for the tournament’s most anticipated clash yet. A last-16 showdown on Monday against the title-holder Shahid, who eliminated Asif in last year’s championship.

The day’s other major upset saw Shan Namat of Islamabad oust seventh seed Ian Mark John 4-2. Shan’s reward is a tough pre-quarter against former national champion Asjad Iqbal.

Young prodigy Hasnain Akhtar continued his promising run, seeing off Asif Toba 4-2 with the help of an 87 break. He will now face fellow Sindh player Sohail Shehzad in the next round.

Last year’s runner-up Mohammad Sajjad avoided an early exit, recovering from a slow start to beat Sultan Mohammad 4-2. His path forward is equally daunting, as he next meets the in-form Ahmar Tariq.The remaining last-24 matches proceeded with minimal drama. Awaisullah Munir defeated Zaib Khan 4-2, while A. Sattar, Aakash Rafique and Abdul Javed also secured their places in the last-16 with victories.

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2026