Pakistan’s Muhammad Asif wins third SAARC Snooker Championship

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani cueist Muhammad Asif clinched the third SAARC Snooker Championship title, defeating Sri Lanka’s Thaha Irshath in the final. 

Asif dominated the final with a resounding 5-0 victory, maintaining his unbeaten streak throughout the tournament. 

Asif had faced fellow Pakistani Naseem Akhtar in the second semi-final and secured victory in the best-of-nine frames contest.

On the other hand, his opponent in the final, Thaha Irshath had defeated Nepal’s Ankit Man in the first semi-final by five frames to three.

This victory adds to Asif’s recent successes. In November 2024, Asif won the IBSF World Snooker Championship title for the third time. In a thrilling final of the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Snooker Championship, he defeated Iran’s Asian champion Ali Ghareghozlou 5-3 to claim the title.

Also Read: Crisis cells established in 75pc districts to curb rape cases

The event, held in Qatar, saw Asif defeating Cyprus’ Michael Georgiou 5-3 in the semi-final, while in the quarter-final, he overcame UAE’s Mohammad Shehab with a 4-1 victory. 

Asif had previously won the World Snooker Championship in 2012 and 2019, cementing his status as one of Pakistan’s top cueists.

Congratulations pour in for Asif

President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated Asif on winning third SAARC Snooker Championship, praising his exceptional performance and dedication to snooker. “He has brought pride to Pakistan in the world of snooker,” the president said, wishing him further success. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended his felicitations, saying that Asif’s victory had brought glory to the nation. “The entire country is proud of you,” he said, expressing best wishes for Asif’s future endeavors.