(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Asjad Iqbal Wins Silver at IBSF World Cup After Final Defeat to Harvey Chandler
Pakistan’s snooker star Asjad Iqbal finished as the runner-up at the IBSF World Snooker Cup 2025, securing a well-earned silver medal after a 5-2 loss to England’s Harvey Chandler in the final held at the Oman Entertainment and Sports Hub on Wednesday.
Chandler took early control of the match, capitalising on a loose break from Asjad to claim the opening frame 83-0.
Asjad, who earlier defeated France’s Nicolas Mortreux 5-2 in the semi-final, showed great determination and levelled the match by taking the second frame through a composed and confident display.
The momentum shifted frequently as both players battled for control. Chandler edged a tight third frame and then extended his lead with an excellent 67 clearance in the fourth.
Despite a difficult moment that led Asjad to concede another frame, he recovered impressively to win the fifth frame 86-3 with a focused break of 54.
The sixth frame turned into a close contest, but Chandler eventually secured it 59-37, putting himself one step away from the title.
In the seventh frame, another strong start from Chandler helped him build a decisive lead. Asjad fought back with a 15-point effort, but the gap proved too wide to close, allowing Chandler to claim his first World Cup title.
Asjad Iqbal, who hails from Sargodha and won bronze in the previous edition, ends his campaign with a proud silver medal and another strong performance on the global stage.
