India ‘A’ storms into snooker World Cup quarterfinals with all-win record

India ‘A’, led by Pankaj Advani, entered the quarterfinals of the World Cup of Snooker in Muscat with an unbeaten record. Advani starred with century breaks against Afghanistan, while India ‘B’ exited despite a consolation win over Oman ‘C’

Hyderabad: Former champions India ‘A’ powered into the knockout quarterfinals with an all-win record in the league phase of the World Cup of Snooker in Muscat, Oman, on Friday.

Pankaj Advani was in imperious form, leading the team that also comprised Aditya Mehta and Brijesh Damani, to a 3-1 win over United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a crushing 3-0 verdict against Afghanistan in a late-night match on Thursday.

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Group ‘F’ toppers India ‘A’, given the top billing in the reseeding after the league phase, will take on the winner of the match between France and Indonesia on Saturday morning.

Damani gave India ‘A’ a 1-0 lead against UAE with a 64-1 win over Mohamed Shehab in the first frame. Advani then rifled in a break of 86 in his 102-35 win over Khalid Kamali. Advani later partnered Aditya to make a break of 53 in the 3-0 rout.

On Thursday night, it was Advani all the way against Afghanistan. He made a brilliant 133 in the first frame against Mohammad Rais Senzahi. Mohammad Noor Zai pulled one back with a win over an off-colour Aditya.

Advani and Damani then dominated the pair of Senzahi and Noor Zai in their 114-7 win. Advani, who made a sizzling 110 break in the doubles, returned later to floor Noor Zai with runs of 78 and 63 in the 141-0 win.

India ‘B’, meanwhile, bowed out with a consolation 3-0 win over Oman ‘C’ in the morning. They had lost to reigning champions Hong Kong China ‘A’ 1-3 on Thursday night to finish with one win and two losses.