COLOMBO: Pakistan`s snooker campaign at the Asian 6-Red and Team Snooker Championship surged forward on Monday as all three cueists Awaisullah Munir, seasoned campaigner Mohammad Asif and the consistent Mohammad Sajjad secured their passage to the pre-quarterfinals following the conclusion of their group stage.

Defending champion Awaisullah solidified his position by completing a perfect group stage run, securing his third consecutive victory.

He faced a determined challenge from India`s Pushpender Singh but emerged with a convincing 4-2 [1-51(37), 47(34)-0, 66-0, 10-46, 34-21, 33-21] win.

Singh started strongly, taking the first frame with a 37 break. Awaisullah responded emphatically, winning the next two frames, including the third with a combined break of 66 (35+31). Singh levelled the match by claiming the fourth frame, but the 31-year-old Pakistani star held his nerve to clinch the final two frames and top his group.

Asif, Pakistan`s most decorated cueist with five international titles, experienced both triumph and setback on Monday but did enough to qualify.

The 42-year-old began his day with a commanding 4-0 [40-1, 27-14, 27-24, 56(55)-4] victory over Oman`s Abdullah Al Raisi Ahmed.

Asif controlled the match throughout, sealing the win in style with a superb 55 break in the final frame.

However, he faced a stern test later against Sri Lanka`s Irshath Mohamed Thaha, ultimately succumbing 4-3 [5-47, 18-32, 66-0, 0-44(36), 42-18, 54(38)-4, 44(40)-0] in a tense seven-frame encounter.

Asif took the first two frames, but Thaha fought back powerfully, winning the third with a combined 66 break (35+31). Asif leveled the match again after the fourth frame, but Thaha claimed the next two frames and held his nerve in the decider with a 40 break.

Despite this loss, Asif`s two wins secured his place in the next round.

Sajjad ensured Pakistan`s clean sweep of qualifications with a dominant performance earlier in the day. The 40-year-old overwhelmed Sri Lanka`s Badurdeen Mohamed Musarra 4-0 [41-9, 35-1, 58(58)-5, 25-21].

Sajjad dictated the pace, winning the frames comfortably before producing a fine 58 break in the third frame and clinching the match in the fourth. This victory guaranteed his progression regardless of the outcome of his final group match against Malaysia`s Lim Kok Leong.-Agencies