Muhammad Asif makes history with third World Snooker Championship victory

Doha: Pakistan's cueist Muhammad Asif claimed his third IBSF World Snooker Championship title, defeating Iran’s Ali Ghareghozlou in an intense 5-3 contest held in Doha, Qatar.

The 42-year-old Asif, who initially entered the tournament as a wildcard qualifier nominated by the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA), displayed unmatched skill and consistency throughout the tournament.

In the championship's final, played as a best-of-nine frames match, Asif set the tone by dominating the first frame with a 70-25 victory. Although Ghareghozlou fought back in the second frame with a 94-7 win, Asif regained control, winning the third frame 62-8 and delivering a remarkable 106 clearance in the fourth frame.

This marked his sixth century break of the tournament and extended his lead to 3-1.

Building on his momentum, Asif furthered his advantage with an 82-12 victory in the fifth frame. Ghareghozlou briefly staged a comeback by clinching the sixth and seventh frames, yet Asif's 93-point break in the eighth frame sealed his 5-3 triumph.

This victory adds another accolade to Asif’s decorated career, bringing his individual world title count to three, a feat that matches the record of India's snooker legend Pankaj Advani. In addition to his individual titles from 2012 and 2019, Asif has also won two team world titles, making him Pakistan’s most accomplished cueist with five world titles.

The Pakistani snooker fraternity, led by PBSA Chairman Alamgir Sheikh, celebrated Asif's achievement, lauding it as a moment of pride for the nation.