Muhammad Asif won the World Snooker Championship for the third time
Doha, Qatar — Pakistan's top cueist, Muhammad Asif, has once again made history by winning the IBSF World Snooker Championship in Doha, securing his third individual world title. At 42 years old, Asif's remarkable victory marks another milestone in his illustrious career, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest snooker players in the world.
The Journey to Victory
Muhammad Asif entered the 2024 IBSF World Snooker Championship as a wild-card qualifier, a position that required him to fight through the qualifying rounds to secure a spot in the main event. Despite being a wildcard entry, Asif’s experience and skill shone through as he progressed through the early rounds and entered the knockout stage with remarkable performances. His consistency and focus during the competition allowed him to reach the final and ultimately claim the title for the third time in his career.
Final Match Overview: Muhammad Asif vs. Ali Garagozlu
In the final, Asif faced off against Ali Garagozlu, a talented cueist from Iran, in a best-of-9 frame contest. The match began with a tough start for Asif, as he lost the first frame 25-70. However, the Pakistani cueist quickly regained his composure and showed why he’s considered one of the best in the sport.
- First Frame: Asif lost the opening frame 25-70.
- Second Frame: Garagozlu took the second frame with a dominant performance, winning 94-7, evening the score to 1-1.
- Third Frame: Asif responded in the third frame, winning 62-8 and regaining the lead at 2-1.
Asif's Key Breaks and Performance
The fourth frame was a turning point in the match. Asif played a flawless clearance break of 106, securing the frame in dominant fashion and taking a 3-1 lead. This frame was Asif’s sixth century break in the tournament, underscoring his exceptional skill and precision under pressure.
- Fourth Frame: Asif played a century break (106) and won the frame 106-0, extending his lead to 3-1.
- Fifth Frame: Asif continued his domination, winning 82-12 and taking a 4-1 lead in the match.
- Sixth & Seventh Frames: Garagozlu showed resistance, winning both frames and narrowing the score to 4-3.
- Eighth Frame: In the decisive eighth frame, Asif clinched the title with a break of 93, ultimately winning 5-3.
With this victory, Muhammad Asif became the World Snooker Champion for the third time, joining India’s Pankaj Advani in the exclusive club of players who have won three individual world titles.
Muhammad Asif's Career Achievements
This title marks Muhammad Asif's third individual world championship victory, having previously won in 2012 and 2019. Additionally, Asif has accumulated two team titles, bringing his total world championship count to five. He is now recognized as Pakistan’s most successful cueist and one of the leading players in the global snooker community.
By winning his third individual title, Asif has matched the record of Pankaj Advani, India’s snooker legend, who also holds three world titles. Asif’s remarkable consistency and success have made him a true icon of the sport in Pakistan and worldwide.
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Conclusion
Muhammad Asif's victory at the 2024 IBSF World Snooker Championship is a testament to his incredible talent, determination, and experience. Winning the prestigious title for the third time in his career, Asif has once again solidified his place as one of the greatest cueists in the history of snooker. His achievement not only brings pride to Pakistan but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring snooker players around the world.
As Muhammad Asif continues to build on his legacy, his win in Doha will be remembered as a remarkable moment in the sport, showcasing the power of perseverance and excellence on the world stage.
