Manama: Muhammad Asif, often hailed as the king of Pakistani snooker, secured another major achievement by winning the IBSF World Masters Snooker Championship title, defeating his Indian opponent in a thrilling final.
The championship was held in Bahrain, where Asif edged past India’s Brijesh Damani with a close 4-3 victory in the final.
The Pakistan-India clash in the final proved to be a nail-biter, with both players putting up a fierce fight in every frame. Asif's composure and skill ultimately earned him the prestigious title, further solidifying his place among the world’s elite snooker players.
In the Under-17 event final, Hasnain Akhtar delivered a spectacular performance, leaving his opponent with no opportunity to score. He showcased an exceptionally balanced game, not dropping a single frame, and secured a resounding 4-0 win.
Akhtar's journey to the final was equally impressive. He had earlier defeated Poland's Oliwier Neznalek 4-0 in the semi-final to secure his spot.
In the quarter-final, Hasnain overcame Poland's Krzysztof Czapnik with a 3-1 score line, and in the pre-quarter-final, he defeated Mutassim Al-Saadi of Oman 3-0.
"I'm incredibly happy and proud to have won this championship for Pakistan," Hasnain Akhtar reportedly stated after his win. "It was a tough competition, but I focused on my game and gave my best in every match."
This victory marks a significant milestone in the young cueist's budding career and highlights Pakistan's growing presence in international snooker. Akhtar's consistent performance throughout the championship, culminating in a flawless final, has undoubtedly captured the attention of the snooker world.
