Asif Clinches Quarterfinal Spot at World Games

CHENGDU: Pakistani snooker player Muhammad Asif secured his place in the quarterfinals of the World Games in Chengdu, China, after triumphing over Germany’s Alexander Vadau in a captivating 2-1 match on Monday.

After conceding the initial frame with a score of 29-43, Asif demonstrated remarkable determination and skill to reverse the situation.

During the second frame, he achieved an impressive break of 109 points, ultimately winning the frame 116-9 and leveling the match. In the crucial third frame, Asif continued his strong performance, clinching the victory with a score of 67-32.

Asif’s consistent display of skill led to him topping Group B, thereby guaranteeing his progression to the quarterfinals of the competition. The quarterfinal matches for snooker at the World Games are scheduled for Tuesday.

Notably, Asif commenced his World Games snooker journey with a decisive victory against China’s Xiaolong Liang in their opening group match on Sunday.

Asif exerted dominance, winning the best-of-three match 2-0. He secured the first frame with a score of 79-50 before sealing the match with a convincing 77-24 score in the second frame.

In the men’s snooker event at the World Games, a total of 12 players are distributed into four groups, with the top two from each group qualifying for the quarterfinals.

The World Games 2025 commenced in Chengdu, China, on Friday, hosting over 4000 athletes representing more than 100 nations, competing across 34 disciplines, including snooker.

The cue sport, which was initially introduced into the Games in 2001, will witness 12 players vying for the coveted gold medal this year.

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

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

Asif, who participated in the championship as a qualifier following a wild card nomination via the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation (PBSA), capitalized on the opportunity with exceptional performances in both the main and knockout rounds.

He faced Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou in the final, overcoming a tough challenge to secure a narrow 4-3 victory.

It is also noteworthy that Muhammad Asif has been in exceptional form recently, having secured the IBSF World Masters Snooker Championship title in Bahrain last month.

The experienced cueist defeated India’s Brijesh Damani 4-3 in the final showdown, clinching his sixth world title. Throughout his impressive career, the 36-year-old has accumulated two team and three individual titles.