Pakistani cueist Muhammad Asif in motion throughout IBSF World Snooker Championship. — Reporter
KARACHI: Pakistan’s Muhammad Asif has reached the ultimate of the IBSF World Snooker Championship in Qatar on Tuesday, defeating Cyprus cueist Michael Georgiou 5-3 in a carefully contested semifinal match.
Asif, a two-time world champion, overcame an early setback after dropping the primary two frames to Georgiou.
He rallied with a collection of 4 straight wins, recording scores of 53-57, 5-71, 94-0, 111-6, 77-45, 73-9, 24-74, and at last sealing the match at 58-51.
His efficiency included a century break within the fourth body — his fifth of the event.
The preliminary two frames went to Georgiou, however Asif’s comeback turned the tide. He maintained strain, significantly within the fifth and eighth frames, which proved decisive for his victory.
Georgiou, after dropping 4 consecutive frames, posed some threats however Asif capitalised on key alternatives to clinch the match.
This might be Asif’s third look in an IBSF World Snooker Championship last, having beforehand received the title in 2012 and 2019.
With this achievement, he joins a choose group of gamers who’ve reached three or extra IBSF finals.
India’s Pankaj Advani leads this elite circle, with 4 last appearances and three titles. Iran’s Amir Sarkhosh additionally reached the ultimate 3 times however did not safe a title.
Asif’s efficiency has raised hopes in Pakistan for a fifth world title — a trophy that has beforehand been lifted twice by Asif.
Mohammad Yousaf and Ahsan Ramzan had been different World Champions produced by Pakistan.
A win within the last could be an addition to Asif’s legacy as considered one of Pakistan’s most completed snooker gamers.
