His victory marks not only a personal triumph but also a source of national pride, underscoring Pakistan’s potential in the global sports arena
By our correspondent
DOHA: Pakistani cueist Mohammad Asif has achieved an extraordinary milestone by claiming the IBSF World Snooker Championship title for the third time. In a captivating final held in Qatar, Asif triumphed over Iran’s Asian champion, Ali Ghareghozlou, with a score of 5-3, showcasing remarkable skill and determination. This victory not only highlights Asif’s enduring prowess but also places him in elite company, tying him with India’s snooker icon, Pankaj Advani, as a three-time world champion.
At 42 years old, Asif, who hails from Faisalabad, has consistently proven himself on the global stage. He first won the IBSF World Championship in 2012 and repeated his success in 2019, solidifying his reputation as one of Pakistan’s most distinguished cueists. Throughout this latest tournament, Asif displayed exceptional consistency, breaking records with six century breaks. His journey to the final included a thrilling 5-3 victory against Cyprus’ Michael Georgiou, setting the stage for his historic win.
The achievement has been met with applause from the Pakistani sports community. The Chairman of the Pakistan Snooker and Billiards Association, Alamgir Sheikh, lauded Asif’s dedication and skill, describing his triumph as a “great honor for Pakistan.” Officials expressed hope that Asif’s success, like Arshad Nadeem’s gold in javelin at the Paris Olympics, will be celebrated with accolades and recognition.
His victory marks not only a personal triumph but also a source of national pride, underscoring Pakistan’s potential in the global sports arena. Asif’s third world title is a testament to his unwavering passion and commitment to the sport, inspiring a new generation of Pakistani cueists to pursue excellence on the international stage.
