Chawla, Lilly in last 16 of Asian Snooker

Al Fujairah (UAE), May 1 (IANS) Indians Kamal Chawla and Dharmender Lilly advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the Asian Snooker Championship here Thursday with identical 4-3 victories in the first round of the knockout phase.

Chawla, who topped the group with an unbeaten record in the league phase, overcame Laith Alnaser (Jordan) with a gritty performance in the seventh frame and set up a clash with China's Chen Zifan.

Lilly, who had finished No.2 in his group after a loss to veteran Saleh Mohammed of Afghanistan, edged past Funk Kwok Wai of Hong Kong 4-3 and will next take on Malaysian Chuan Leong Thir.

The third Indian in the fray, Brijesh Damani, failed to qualify for the knockouts after losing two of his four matches. Damani tied with Baldandorj Batsukh of Mongolia with same frame difference. However, the Indian was pushed to third as he had lost one frame more than the Mongolian.