Muhammad Asif
Pakistan’s ace cueist, Muhammad Asif, made history on Wednesday by clinching his third IBSF World Snooker Championship title in Doha, Qatar, further cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.
Asif, 42, entered the prestigious tournament as a wild card nominee, having been selected by the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA).
Despite starting as a qualifier, he delivered a series of stellar performances to emerge as the champion, adding another remarkable achievement to his already distinguished career.
In the final match, Asif faced a tough challenge from Iran’s Ali Gharegozloo in a best-of-nine frames contest.
The Pakistani cueist set the tone early, dominating the opening frame with a 70-25 win. However, Gharegozloo responded by taking the second frame in emphatic fashion with a 94-7 scoreline, leveling the match at 1-1.
Undeterred, Asif swiftly regained control of the game in the third frame, winning it 62-8. He then showcased his exceptional skill in the fourth frame, achieving a flawless 106 clearance break — his sixth century break of the tournament — to take a commanding 3-1 lead.
This century break highlighted Asif’s technical brilliance and strategic mastery, demonstrating why he is considered one of Pakistan’s top snooker players.
In the fifth frame, Asif continued his momentum with a dominant 82-12 victory, extending his lead to 4-1.
Although Gharegozloo mounted a brief comeback by winning both the sixth and seventh frames, Asif closed out the match in the eighth frame with a powerful 93-point break, securing the title with a final score of 5-3.
This latest victory marks Asif’s third individual world championship title, having previously won the IBSF World Snooker Championship in 2012 and 2019.
With this win, he joins India’s Pankaj Advani as one of only two players to have won three individual world titles, a significant milestone in his career.
In addition to his three individual titles, Asif has also won two world team titles, bringing his total number of world championships to five.
This extraordinary achievement establishes Muhammad Asif as Pakistan’s most decorated cueist and a true icon in the world of snooker.
His remarkable consistency and ability to deliver under pressure have earned him widespread recognition and admiration within the sport, both in Pakistan and internationally.
Asif’s victory not only highlights his own personal brilliance but also brings immense pride to Pakistan’s sporting community, further elevating the country’s standing in the world of snooker.
His performance in Doha serves as an inspiration for aspiring players and a testament to his enduring talent, discipline, and passion for the game.
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