Asif to Clash with Leong of Malaysia in Semifinals This Wednesday

Karachi: Displaying impressive form, Pakistani cueist Muhammad Asif secured his place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Asian 6-Red Snooker Championship. On Tuesday, he achieved a decisive 5-3 victory against Lim Kok Leong from Malaysia.

Asif began the crucial match strongly, dominating Leong in the initial set with an impressive 67-point break. Despite Leong’s attempts to respond in the following frame, Asif maintained his composure, extending his lead to 2-0 with a score of 43-21.

The third frame was tightly contested, with both players putting up a strong fight. Ultimately, Leong was unable to secure a win, allowing Asif to establish a commanding 3-0 advantage.

With Asif nearing victory, Leong mounted a significant comeback, claiming the subsequent two frames and narrowing the gap to 3-2.

Maintaining his focus amidst Leong’s resurgence, Muhammad Asif clinched the sixth set with a 38-25 score, moving closer to securing his spot in the 2025 Asian 6-Red Snooker Championship semi-final.

In a critical must-win frame, Leong delivered his best performance, defeating Asif 68-0. However, he couldn’t sustain the momentum to force a deciding frame. Asif triumphed in the eighth frame with a 41-21 score, sealing a comprehensive 5-3 win.

The Pakistani competitor is now set to face another Malaysian player, Thor Chuan Leong, in the semi-final match on Wednesday.

The two-time IBSF World Champion started his journey with a 4-1 triumph against Neang Tola of Cambodia during the group stage, achieving frame scores of 37-17, 47-0, 9-59, 44-0, and 39-9.

Following this, he progressed to the knockout rounds, propelled by a convincing 4-0 victory over Abdullah Al Raisi of Oman.

Continuing his strong performance, he then secured a dominant 5-1 win against Neang Tola of Cambodia in the pre-quarterfinals, earning his place in the Last Eight.