Colombo (Web Desk): Pakistan’s cueist Muhammad Asif on Friday delivered a scintillating performance at the third SAARC Snooker Championship in Colombo, clinching the title with a dominant 5-0 victory over Sri Lanka's Thaha Irshath.
The final, held at the Moors Snooker Club, saw Asif produce a flawless display of snooker, sweeping through each frame with impressive control and precision.
The final frame scores of 99-3, 73-46, 85-38, 109-6, and 74-0 highlighted his superiority, as he finished the match without dropping a single frame.
Asif, renowned for his high-level play, registered breaks of 50 or more in three of the frames, including a stunning 67 in both the opening and closing frames.
His performance underlined his experience and expertise in the game, ultimately securing him his eighth career title.
This victory not only added another accolade to his illustrious career but also marked a historic moment for Pakistan, as Asif became only the second Pakistani to win the SAARC Snooker Championship.
Reflecting on his win, Asif expressed immense pride, describing the victory as a significant achievement for both himself and his country.
The 42-year-old, who has already earned worldwide recognition with three IBSF World Snooker Championship titles (2012, 2019, 2024), continues to prove his dominance in the amateur snooker circuit.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday congratulated Muhammad Asif on winning the third SAARC snooker championship.
In their separate congratulatory messages, the president and prime minister lauded Muhammad Asif for demonstrating his best game in the entire championship particularly the final.
“Muhammad Asif brought laurels to Pakistan in the game of snooker. I pray for Muhammad Asif’s success in the future as well,” President Zardari said.
PM Shehbaz also felicitated cueist Muhammad Asif on winning the third SAARC snooker championship.
“Muhammad Asif won an important snooker championship and brought the country’s name to the limelight in the whole world. The whole nation is proud of you,” the premier said.
PM Shehbaz also expressed best wishes for Muhammad Asif’s future.
