Asif Set to Compete in World Games Against Xiaolong and Widau

KARACHI: Renowned Pakistani cueist Muhammad Asif is scheduled to commence his World Games 2025 journey with a match against China’s Liang Xiaolong this Sunday.

The World Games 2025 officially began in Chengdu, China, this Friday, hosting over 4,000 athletes representing more than 100 nations. These athletes will participate across 34 disciplines, including Snooker.

Snooker, which was initially introduced to the Games in 2001, will feature 12 players competing for the coveted gold medal this year.

The participants have been divided into four groups, each comprising three players. The top two performers from each group will proceed to the quarter-finals.

Asif, a former IBSF World champion, has been placed in Group B, alongside China’s Xiaolong and Germany’s Alexander Widau.

Asif will initiate his campaign with a match against Xiaolong on Sunday, followed by his subsequent group-stage match against Widau on the following day.

It is worth noting that Asif secured his qualification for the World Games 2025 by triumphing at the IBSF World Men’s Snooker Championship held last year in Doha.

Asif, who entered the championship as a qualifier, having received a wild card nomination via the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation (PBSA), capitalized on the opportunity by delivering outstanding performances throughout the main and knockout stages.

In the final, he faced Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou and fought hard to secure a close 4-3 victory.

Notably, Muhammad Asif has demonstrated impressive form recently, having secured the IBSF World Masters Snooker Championship title in Bahrain last month.

The experienced cueist overcame India’s Brijesh Damani with a 4-3 score in the final showdown, clinching his sixth world title. To date, the 36-year-old has accumulated two team and three individual titles during his distinguished career.