Asif Kicks Off World Games Snooker Campaign with Victory

CHENGDU: Pakistani cueist Muhammad Asif initiated his World Games snooker journey impressively, securing a decisive triumph over China’s Xiaolong Liang in their initial group contest held in Chengdu, China, on Sunday.

Asif asserted control throughout the match, clinching the best-of-three face-off with a 2-0 score. He secured the initial frame with a 79-50 score before wrapping up the match with a dominant 77-24 score in the subsequent frame.

Asif is slated to compete against Germany’s Alexander Widau in his subsequent group match scheduled for Monday.

Tournament Format

Within the men’s snooker segment of the World Games, a dozen competitors are categorized into four groups. The leading two players from each group will proceed to the quarterfinal stage.

The World Games 2025 commenced in Chengdu, China, on Friday, showcasing over 4,000 athletes representing over 100 nations, engaging in 34 disciplines, including Snooker.

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

The cueists were distributed into four groups, each comprising three players, with the top two from each division progressing to the quarter-finals.

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

Asif’s Qualification Journey

Notably, Asif secured his spot in the World Games 2025 by clinching the IBSF World Men’s Snooker Championship title held last year in Doha.

Asif, who participated in the championship as a qualifier after securing a wild card entry via the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation (PBSA), capitalized on the opportunity through outstanding displays in both the main and knockout rounds.

He faced Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou in the final, exerting considerable effort to secure a narrow 4-3 victory.

Significantly, Muhammad Asif has showcased exceptional form recently, having clinched the IBSF World Masters Snooker Championship title in Bahrain last month.

The seasoned cueist triumphed over India’s Brijesh Damani with a 4-3 score in the final showdown, securing his sixth world title. The 36-year-old has amassed two team and three individual titles throughout his illustrious career.