Pakistan’s Asif becomes World Snooker champion for third time

Staff Report

LAHORE: Pakistan cueist Mohammad Asif has become the World Snooker champion for the third time. In a thrilling final of the IBSF World Snooker Championship, Asif defeated Iran’s Asian champion Ali Ghareghozlou 5-3 to claim the title. According to reports from Qatar, Asif continued his brilliant form in the 9-frame final, dominating his opponent and securing victory. Asif dominated the opening frame with a score of 70-25, though Gharahgozlou levelled the contest by taking the second frame 94-7. Asif then regained control, winning the third frame 62-8 and excelling in the fourth frame with a flawless 106 clearance break — his sixth-century break of the tournament — taking a 3-1 lead. He continued his strong performance in the fifth frame, winning it 82-12 to solidify his lead with 4-1. Although Gharahgozlou mounted a brief comeback by winning the sixth and seventh frames, Asif secured victory in the eighth with a commanding 93-point break. With this success, Asif became the World Snooker champion for the third time.

Asif’s victory also ties him with India’s Pankaj Advani, who has won the World Snooker Championship three times. The Pakistan cueist made a remarkable performance throughout the tournament, setting a record by making six century breaks. He reached the final after defeating Cyprus’ Michael Georgiou 5-3 in an exciting match. Asif, aged 42, from Faisalabad, first won the IBSF World Snooker Championship in 2012 and went on to win it again in 2019.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Pakistan Snooker and Billiards Association, Alamgir Sheikh, and other officials congratulated Asif on his outstanding victory, calling it a great honour for Pakistan. They expressed hope that, just like Arshad Nadeem’s gold medal in javelin throw at the Paris Olympics, Asif’s third world title will also be recognized and rewarded with accolades. Asif now holds five world titles, including his two team titles, establishing himself as Pakistan’s most decorated cueist.