Third World Title Win for Mohammad Asif at IBSF Snooker Championship
In a stellar performance, Pakistan’s snooker star Mohammad Asif has claimed his World third IBSF Snooker Championship title, defeating Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou in a gripping final held in Doha, Qatar. This victory reinforces Asif’s position as one of Pakistan’s all-time snooker greats and matches India’s Pankaj Advani’s record of three individual world titles.
Asif’s Wild Victory in IBSF Snooker Championship
Entering the championship as a qualifier through a wild card from the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA), the 42-year-old demonstrated unmatched resilience and skill, advancing from the qualification rounds to dominate in the knockout stages.
| Match | Player | Country | Score | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asif vs Shehab | Muhammad Asif | Pakistan | 4-1 | Asif's two centuries (109, 112) secured victory after Shehab's 100-point opening break. |
| Mohamed Shehab | UAE | 1 | Strong start but couldn't maintain momentum. | |
| Elhareedy vs Chandler | Mahmoud Elhareedy | Egypt | 4-1 | Elhareedy dominated early; finished strong with 67-15 in the fifth. |
| Harvey Chandler | England | 1 | Brief comeback with 66-point break, but lost momentum. | |
| Gharaghouzlo vs Kothari | Ali Gharaghouzlo | Iran | 4-1 | Ali’s strong 72-point break set the tone. |
| Sourav Kothari | India | 1 | Won third frame but lost control after that. |
Decisive Moves in the Final Showdown
In the best-of-nine-frames final, Asif set the pace with a commanding 70-25 win in the first frame. Although Gharahgozlou leveled in the second frame, Asif quickly regained control, winning the third frame and delivering an impressive 106-point century break in the fourth. This marked his sixth century break of the tournament, giving him a decisive 3-1 lead.
Securing Victory and Inspiring Future Champions
Asif secured the title with a powerful 93-point break in the eighth frame, closing the match 5-3 and adding to his five world titles, including team championships. Asif’s triumph serves as an inspiration to upcoming Pakistani snooker talent, showcasing his dedication and skill on the global stage.
