Pankaj Advani faced stiff competition on opening day

Advani was leading 2-0 and had breaks of 65 & 85 in the first two frames, lost next two to Moh. Advani, however, got back the right touch on time and took next two frames with ease to win 4-2 on the opening day.

Among the impressive winners on Wednesday were 14-year old from China, Yan Bingtao who beat Jim Johansson of Sweden 4-1 to start his campaign in style. Asian Snooker Champion Thor Chuan Leong register a 4-2 win over Mohsen Bukshaisha 4-2.

Another thrilling match was between Belgium's Jurian Heusdens and Scotland's Gary Thomson. The Belgian won 4-3. In another match in same group, Antonis Poullus of Cyprus beat Mohamed Khairy of Egypt 4-2.

Amir Sarkhosh of Iran went till the decider and defeated Nick Jennings of England 4-3. Whereas former world champion Darren Morgan of Wales slammed four breaks in three frames to brush aside Indian player Farhad Tengra 3-0 in the Masters category.