Jeff Szafransky has won his first Group E match played in the Masters' Event of the 2012 International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Snooker Championships at the Dedeman Princess Hotel in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia.

Szafransky, a quarterfinalist in this year's United States National Snooker Championship, faced Amarjargal Dashdorj in the 12pm local time session, and he proved far too strong for the Mongolian as he comfortably claimed three straight frames for a 3-0 victory.

The 56-year-old from California will have tougher opponents ahead for him in the group, however this excellent start will give him the perfect springboard and confidence to advance into the knockout phase of the event.

Ajeya Prabhakar was also in Group B action at 2pm local time in the Men's Event against Finland's Kim Laaksonen, but the former United States National Snooker Champion had a terrible start which he ultimately was unable to recover from, as his 20-year-old opponent took a 3-0 lead.

Ajeya Prabhakar pictured in action against Finland's Kim Laaksonen Photo © IBSF

Prabhakar has a track record in coming back from 3-0 deficits to win race-to-four-frame matches, as he has done it on two occasions to book final appearances in recent United States National Snooker Championships.

It did appear for a time that another comeback was on the cards as he clawed his way back to 3-2 and had a very healthy lead in frame six, only to give away a multitude of penalty points on the final colors which in the end cost him the frame and match for a 4-2 loss.

The United States National Snooker Champion was also back on the table today at 5pm local time with a Group F encounter against Singapore's Lim Chun Kiat.

After losing the first two frames, Sargon Isaac sealed the third frame but unfortunately was not able to keep his form up and he went onto lose 4-1.

Isaac and Prabhakar are now in the position where they must now win both of their remaining two group matches to have any chance of advancing into the knockout phase of the Men's Event.

Isaac will play his next Group F match against Romania's Paul Croitoru tomorrow (November 26) at 2pm local time, 4am Pacific Time in the United States.

Prabhakar's has a day off from play tomorrow, but will play his two remaining matches both on November 27 against Kamal Chawla from India at 10am local time, 12am Pacific Time in the United States, and then at 7pm local time, 9am Pacific Time in the United States, against China's Jin Long.

Szafransky will hope to continue his good start in the Masters' Event as he will contest his second Group E match tomorrow (November 26) at 12pm local time, 2am Pacific Time in the United States, against Ireland's Brendan Cooney.

The Men's Event full group draws and updated results can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
» Men's Event Groups (External website)

The Masters' Event full group draws and updated results can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
» Masters' Event Groups (External website)

The Ladies' Event full group draws and updated results can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
» Ladies' Event Groups (External website)