Pakistani Hopes Dwindle at Asian 6-Red Ball Snooker Championship

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan’s journey at the Asian 6-Red Ball Snooker Championship reached a disappointing conclusion on Wednesday. Malaysia’s Thor Chuan Leong defeated experienced Pakistani player Mohammad Asif in their semi-final clash in Kuala Lumpur.

Thor showcased remarkable skill and composure, securing a 5-2 victory to advance to the final. Asif, who carried Pakistan’s aspirations after a successful run, couldn’t overcome Thor’s consistent performance.

This defeat marked the end of the competition for Asif, a two-time IBSF World Champion, and the exit of all Pakistani participants from the championship.

Earlier in the tournament, Mohammad Sajjad and Awais Munir were ousted in the pre-quarterfinal stage after losing to their respective competitors.

Mohammad Asif’s Performance

Despite the semi-final loss, Mohammad Asif’s performance at the Asian 6-Red Ball Snooker Championship was notable. He began the tournament strongly, securing a 4-1 win over Cambodia’s Neang Tola in the group stage.

Match Highlights
  • Asif demonstrated accuracy, achieving frame scores of 37-17, 47-0, 9-59, 44-0, and 39-9.
  • His strategic gameplay allowed him to control the match’s tempo from the start.

Following his initial victory, he achieved a 4-0 triumph against Oman’s Abdullah Al Raisi, progressing to the knockout stage. He then dominated Neang Tola again in the pre-quarterfinals, winning 5-1 to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.

His quarterfinal victory, a 5-3 win against Malaysia’s Lim Kok Leong, further highlighted his impressive form.

Looking Ahead

With the 6-Red Championship now over, the Pakistan snooker team will concentrate on the upcoming Asian Team Snooker Championship, which will take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, later this month.