Muhammad Asif clinches third world snooker title

Pakistan’s snooker legend Muhammad Asif has won his third IBSF World Snooker Championship, defeating Iran’s Asian Champion Ali Ghareghozlou 5-3 in a thrilling final.

Asif, 42, from Faisalabad, continues to prove himself as one of the sport’s greatest talents, adding another prestigious title to his already illustrious career. His dominant performance throughout the nine-frame final left Ghareghozlou with few answers, solidifying Asif’s place in the annals of snooker history.

The victory not only marks Asif’s third world title but also ties him with India’s Pankaj Advani, who has also won three world championships. Asif first claimed the IBSF World Championship in 2012 and successfully defended his title in 2019 before capturing the crown once again in 2024.

Throughout the tournament, Asif exhibited exceptional form, including a tournament-record six century breaks. His journey to the final included a hard-fought 5-3 win over Cyprus’ Michael Georgiou in the semifinals, following an earlier 4-1 victory against UAE’s Muhammad Shehab.

The triumph was celebrated across Pakistan, with the Pakistan Billiards & Snooker Association (PBSA) Chairman Alamgir Sheikh and other officials praising Asif’s achievement. They hailed it as a source of national pride and expressed hope that Asif will receive the recognition and rewards he truly deserves, much like Pakistan’s Olympic javelin gold medalist Arshad Nadeem.

Muhammad Asif’s victory not only strengthens his legacy in the world of snooker but also inspires a new generation of snooker enthusiasts in Pakistan and beyond.