DOHA: Pakistani cueist Mohammad Asif has defeated Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou to claim the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Snooker Championship 2024 title here on Wednesday.
The 42-year-old player made his entrance into the tournament as a qualifier, having received a nomination from the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) to participate as a wild card entrant.
He seized the opportunity with remarkable determination, delivering breathtaking performances that captivated audiences throughout the tournament.
Mohammad Asif clinched the coveted IBSF World Snooker Championship 2024 title with a score of 5-3 against Ali Gharahgozlou in the final.
Asif started the match with an impressive display of skill, dominating the opening frame with a commanding score of 70-25. However, Gharahgozlou quickly found his rhythm in the second frame, levelling the contest with a resounding victory of 87-7.
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Undeterred, Asif regained his momentum in the third frame, showcasing his talent by winning decisively at 82-8.
The Pakistani cueist then delivered a breathtaking performance in the fourth frame, executing a flawless 106 clearance break, which was his sixth-century break of the tournament.
Asif continued to exhibit his prowess in the fifth frame, further solidifying his advantage with a convincing 82-12 win, bringing his lead to a solid 4-1.
Although Gharahgozlou fought back valiantly, claiming victories in both the sixth and seventh frames, Asif proved too strong. He sealed his victory in the eighth frame with a stellar performance, executing a remarkable 93-point break.
This is the third individual world title of Mohammad Asif, having previously won championships in 2012 and 2019.
Moreover, he has also clinched two team titles, which makes him the most decorated cueist in the history of Pakistan with five world titles.
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