COLOMBO, July 1: Imran Shahzad pulled off a thrilling victory when he beat fancied China Hong Kong’s Chan Hon Kuan 4-3 in his opening pool E match in the 22nd Asian Snooker Championship on Saturday.

The 25-year-old Imran was taken to the distance by Kuan before chalking out a great victory an extended match. He won 69-66, 54-22, 67-28, 6-79, 44-80, 53-60, 74-36.

National champion Khurram Agha thrashed inexperience Korean Tea Hon Jung 4-0 with two well compiled breaks of 59 and clearence of 92.

Pakistan number one Khurram showed no mercy as he overwhelmed Tea Hon Jung 74-8, 81-10, 87-25, 92-0.

After picking up the opening two frames easily, Khurram showed break-building touch with a break of 59 in third and complete routine win in pool “F” by clearing the table with a neat break of 92.

On Sunday, Imran Shahzad will meet Pham Hoai Nam of Vietnam in the morning session and later in the night faces fifth seed AttMahitti of China. Khurram Agha will play against Boon Aun Keith of Singapore at 10.00 am and will be up against local boy R.Somaratane in the night.—APP