Pakistan’s legendary cueist Mohammad Asif delivered yet another sterling performance on Friday, outlasting India’s Brijesh Damani in a dramatic 4-3 battle at the IBSF World Masters Championship in Bahrain. The championship, held at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain, witnessed a captivating contest that swung back and forth, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final frame.
The semi-final was no less thrilling, with Mohammad Asif defeating India’s Manan Chandra 4-2 on Thursday, setting the stage for a classic Pakistan versus India final. Asif, known for his calm demeanor and tactical precision, started the contest confidently, swiftly taking the first two frames. Damani, however, responded with remarkable composure, clinching the next three frames and placing Asif under immense pressure with a 3-2 lead.
Displaying the hallmark of a true champion, Mohammad Asif regrouped at this critical juncture, leveling the match at 3-3. The deciding frame saw Asif shift gears, overwhelming his opponent and sealing his victory with an emphatic performance. The final scores—98-37, 75-55, 00-80, 49-52, 41-64, 91-29, 78-9—paint a picture of a contest that was tense, unpredictable, and filled with high-quality snooker.
Sixth World Title for Asif: A Career of Excellence
This victory marks Mohammad Asif’s sixth world title, further entrenching his status as one of the sport’s greats. Over his illustrious career, Mohammad Asif has now secured three individual world crowns and two team championships. With this latest triumph, he continues to set benchmarks for aspiring cueists across Pakistan and the wider snooker community.
The significance of defeating an Indian rival in a high-stakes final was not lost on the Pakistani public or its sporting authorities. Asif’s composure under pressure and his ability to reclaim momentum at critical moments have become trademarks of his game, inspiring countless young players across the country.
National Recognition and Celebration
Following Asif’s victory, celebrations erupted across Pakistan’s snooker circles. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was among the first top sports officials to congratulate Mohammad Asif , lauding his exceptional skill and hard work. “Well done, Mohammad Mohammad Asif . The nation is proud of you,” Naqvi stated, adding that Asif had brought great honor to Pakistan by conquering an Indian opponent in the final.
Naqvi emphasized that such victories demonstrate the vast talent present in Pakistan, not just in cricket, but across a wide spectrum of sports. He expressed optimism that the achievements of young talents like Mohammad Asif would fuel future successes. “Asif has raised Pakistan’s pride once again. Whether it’s sports or any other field, Pakistan is making its mark everywhere,” said Naqvi, voicing hopes that the nation’s winning streak would continue in the years to come.
Hasnain Akhtar: Double Delight for Pakistan at IBSF Championships
Earlier on Friday, Pakistan had already tasted victory at the IBSF World U17 Snooker Championship, courtesy of Hasnain Akhtar. The 16-year-old sensation produced a commanding performance against Wales’ Riley Powell, clinching the final 4-0 in straight frames. The frame scores—86-7, 73-35, 50-31, and 98-4—showcased Hasnain’s dominance and composure on the global stage.
Officiated by Bahrain’s Nadhem Ahmed, the match saw Hasnain register impressive breaks of 44 and 67 in the first and fourth frames, respectively. Powell struggled to find his rhythm, with Hasnain maintaining control throughout the contest, never giving his opponent a chance to recover.
Hasnain’s triumph has made him the first Pakistani to capture the IBSF World U17 Snooker Championship, adding to his growing list of accolades, which already includes the Asian U21 Championship secured earlier in the year. His success is a testament to Pakistan’s growing strength and depth in the world of cue sports.
