DNA
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s snooker ace Muhammad Asif has once again made the nation proud by clinching the IBSF World Masters Snooker Championship title in Bahrain. In a thrilling display of class and composure, Asif defeated India’s Brijesh Damani in the final to reclaim his place at the top of the world amateur snooker scene.
The championship final, held at Crowne Plaza Bahrain, saw Asif in top form as he outclassed Damani, who had beaten him earlier in the group stage. This time, however, Asif was determined to settle the score—and he did so with dominance. The victory adds another prestigious title to his name, reaffirming his status as one of Pakistan’s all-time snooker greats.
Asif had earlier booked his place in the final with a gripping 4-2 win over India’s Manan Chandra in the semi-final. He started strong with a 118-6 frame win but briefly lost momentum before storming back to win three consecutive frames. His semi-final frame scores were 118-6, 0-84, 25-76, 92-11, 87-62, and 72-41.
With this latest triumph, Asif has not only avenged his earlier group-stage loss to Damani but also showcased his mental strength and tactical brilliance. His consistency and determination throughout the tournament have won widespread praise.
Meanwhile, young cueist Hasnain Akhtar has emerged as another shining star for Pakistan, reaching the final of the IBSF World U17 Snooker Championship. The 16-year-old sensation stormed past Poland’s Oliwier Nizialek with a commanding 4-0 win in the semi-final. Hasnain’s frame scores were 76-1, 69-8, 88-0, and 62-37.
Hasnain, who has lost only one frame in the entire tournament so far, will face Wales’ Riley Powell in the final scheduled for Friday. The match promises to be a clash of rising stars, and fans are eagerly anticipating another proud moment for Pakistan.
Earlier, Hasnain defeated another Polish cueist, Krzysztof Czapnik, 3-1 to reach the semi-final stage.
With Asif crowned world champion and Hasnain eyeing glory in the U17 category, Pakistani snooker is experiencing a golden chapter, reinforcing the country’s growing stature in international cue sports.
