KARACHI, Sept 1: Arch-rivals Saleh Muhammad and Muhammad Yousuf are drawn in pool "B" of 18th Latif Masters national ranking snooker championship which goes into action at Karachi Club Billiards Hall from Sept 12.

Pakistan Billiards Snooker Association (PBSA)on Wednesday released the draws of the toughest event of their calendar which carries cash purse of Rs.240,000 which conclude on Sept 17.

The event will be of great significance as on basis of top ranking, two-member Pakistan team for World Snooker Championship being held at Veldhoven (Holland) from Nov 20 to Dec 4 will be picked.

Currently defending champion Khurram Agha is occupying top spot with 122 points while Saleh is placed second with 117 points and veteran Yousuf is in third spot with 114 points in national ranking.

Interesting and intriguing tussle will be on the cards between three top cueists to grab top two slots in the national ranking in the tournament to secure berth in Pakistan squad for the global event.

As per the ranking system, the winner of the event will get ten points, runner-up eight points and semifinalists collect six points. So former world champion Yousuf had to win the title to book his place in Pakistan team for the world championship.

The championship will see the return of Pakistan number four, Naveen Perwani. International Naveen missed the previous two ranking tournaments because of his father's serious sickness.

The winner of the event will collect Rs.100,000 while runner-up will be taking home Rs.60,000. Country's top 16 cueists drawn in two pools will be featuring in the championship and top two players after the round robin league will advance into the semifinals.

FOLLOWING ARE THE GROUPINGS: