https://arab.news/9j96e
- Veteran Asif beats India’s Chandra 4-2 to secure title shot in Masters category
- Teen cueist Hasnain Akhtar also reaches U-17 final after 4-0 win over Poland’s Nizialek
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Muhammad Asif has qualified for the final of the Masters category at the IBSF World Snooker Championships in Bahrain, defeating India’s Manan Chandra 4-2 in the semifinal, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Friday.
The 42‑year‑old from Faisalabad — a three‑time IBSF World Amateur Champion (2012, 2019, 2024) and recipient of Pakistan’s Pride of Performance Award in 2015 — took the first frame 118‑6 before conceding the next two, then reeled off three straight wins to secure his place in the final.
He will now face Brijesh Damani in the final, scheduled for Friday, 6pm Bahrain Time, 8pm PKT, the IBSF said in a post on Instagram.
“Another Pakistan cueist Hasnain Akhtar has also reached final in the U-17 category of IBSF World Masters Final after beating Oliwier Nizialek of Poland by 4-0,” Radio Pakistan reported.
Asif qualified for the semifinals of the masters after defeating Habib Sabah (Bahrain) 4-0 (68(68)-8, 57-37, 68(68)-8, 40(40)-8) in the quarterfinal on Thursday.
In the pre-quarterfinals, Asif defeated Mohamed Shehab (UAE) 4-2 (56-68, 21-72, 57-21, 80(80)-0, 68-45(43), 68-58).
The IBSF World Snooker Championships are being held in Manama from July 13–24 and feature top amateur players in Masters and youth categories.
Pakistan has a long record of success in amateur snooker.