Indian cueists Yasin Merchant and Alok Kumar recorded contrasting victories to enter the quarter-finals in the 23rd Asian Snooker Championships in Karachi on Thursday.
Merchant, one of India's most experienced players, looked in prime form as he comprehensibly beat Mohsin Aziz of Qatar 5-2 in the pre-quarter-finals.
Compatriot Alok Kumar, however, had to toil for each frame as he edged out Chan Hon Kwon of Hong Kong 5-4 after a close battle.
Merchant said he would have to produce some of his old magic to stand a chance of winning the championship, an honour he had twice in the past.
"I will have to produce some tricks to win. There are some magnificent young players in this tournament and beating them will not be easy," he said.
The Indian ace picked China's Liu Chuang as favourite for the title.
While the Indian duo reached the next stage, Pakistan had contrasting fortunes, with experienced cueists Mohammad Yousuf and Saleh Muhammad crashing out of the event.
The hosts are now pinning their hopes on young Khurrum Agha and national champion Naveen Perwani.
Former world champion Yousuf was outclassed by top seed Mohammad Shehab of UAE, who won in straight frames in the best-of-nine frame matches.
Saleh fared no better against Jin Long, while Khurrum Agha managed to overcome Mohammad Ali Jokar of the UAE.
