(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan’s Muhammad Asif Reaches World Games Snooker Semi-Finals in Chengdu
CHENGDU —
Pakistan’s Muhammad Asif has stormed into the semi-finals of the World Games snooker event after defeating Britain’s Zac Cosker 2–0 in a commanding quarter-final performance on Tuesday.
Asif won the opening frame 79–15 with a brilliant 51-point break and sealed the match 89–31 in the second frame. A win in the semi-final will guarantee him a podium finish, while a loss still offers a chance to compete for bronze. Pakistan has won just one previous World Games medal in snooker, when Shokat Ali claimed bronze in 2001.
The 36-year-old cueist has been in top form throughout the tournament. On Monday, he battled Germany’s Alexander Vadau, dropping the first frame 29–43 but mounting a remarkable comeback with a 109-point break in the second frame and a 67–32 win in the decider. Asif’s dominant play ensured he topped Group B and advanced comfortably to the quarter-finals.
Asif began his campaign with a strong 2–0 win over China’s Xiaolong Liang, scoring 79–50 and 77–24 in the two frames. The World Games 2025, held in Chengdu, China, feature more than 4,000 athletes from over 100 countries competing in 34 disciplines, including snooker.
The Pakistani star earned his World Games spot by winning the IBSF World Men’s Snooker Championship last year in Doha, edging Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou 4–3 in a thrilling final. He also captured the IBSF World Masters Snooker Championship in Bahrain last month, defeating India’s Brijesh Damani 4–3 to secure his sixth world title, adding to his three individual and two team championships.
Asif’s stellar performances in Chengdu continue Pakistan’s proud tradition in cue sports, and he now aims for gold in the World Games snooker event.
