Pakistan’s snooker sensation, Muhammad Asif, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by winning his third IBSF World Men’s Snooker Championship in 2024, a feat that cements his status among snooker’s elite. Asif’s remarkable victory not only brings pride to Pakistan but also places him alongside India’s Pankaj Advani as one of only two players in history to clinch this prestigious title three times.
Asif’s Challenging Path to the Championship
Asif’s journey to the title was far from smooth, as he encountered numerous obstacles right from the start. During the initial phase, he struggled in Stage-I and narrowly missed qualifying. However, his resilience shone through as he fought back in the second part of Stage-I, defeating compatriot Asjad Iqbal to secure a spot in Stage-II. The group stage proved difficult as well, where Asif managed to win only one out of three matches. Despite the challenges, his consistent performance carried him through to the knockout stages, where his true grit came to the fore.
Dominating the Knockout Stages
In the knockout rounds, Asif displayed an impressive comeback, showcasing his skill and experience against some of the world’s best players. He first faced off with defending champion Ali Alobaidli of Qatar, delivering a dominant performance that ousted the reigning champion. Advancing to the Last-16, Asif encountered yet another formidable Qatari, Ahmed Saif. In a nail-biting final frame, Asif narrowly clinched victory, demonstrating his nerves of steel under pressure.
Reflecting on his journey, Asif acknowledged the importance of learning from past errors. This newfound focus helped him achieve a spectacular 4-1 win over Mohamed Shehab in the quarter-finals, a match in which he registered two century breaks. Despite Shehab’s impressive century, Asif’s consistency and focus secured his spot in the semi-finals.
A Thrilling Semi-Final Encounter
The semi-final brought Asif head-to-head with former World 6-Red Champion Michael Georgiou. The match began with Georgiou taking an early 2-0 lead, leaving Asif on the back foot. But Asif staged a brilliant comeback, firing two stunning breaks of 94 and 111 to level the match at 2-2. He continued his surge, eventually taking the lead and closing the match with a 5-3 victory, booking his place in the final.
The Historic Final Match Against Ali Gharaghouzlo
In the final, Asif faced off against Ali Gharaghouzlo of Iran, a highly anticipated match that did not disappoint. Asif set the pace by winning the first frame, but Gharaghouzlo responded swiftly with a break of 84, leveling the match. Undeterred, Asif took control in the following frames with impressive breaks of 56 and 106, establishing a 4-1 lead. As the match approached its conclusion, a missed red in the sixth frame allowed Gharaghouzlo to capitalize with a break of 58, narrowing the score to 4-2. Gharaghouzlo then raised the stakes with a stellar 118 break, bringing the match to a tense 4-3.
With the title within reach, Asif remained composed, responding with a clinical 80-point break to seal a 5-3 victory, thus earning his third IBSF World Men’s Snooker Championship title and solidifying his legacy as one of snooker’s all-time greats.
A Celebration of Achievements
The championship awarded joint bronze medals to Mahmoud El Hareedy of Egypt and Michael Georgiou of Cyprus, both of whom delivered notable performances. This achievement marked a historic milestone for El Hareedy as the first African player to earn a medal at the IBSF World Championship, highlighting the expanding global reach of snooker. Additionally, Michael Georgiou received the Highest Break Prize for an outstanding 136-point break.
The medal presentation ceremony was a grand affair attended by prominent figures in the snooker world. Key officials, including IBSF President Mubarak Al-Khayarin and Qatar Billiard Sports Federation Chief Mohammed Mubarak Al Ramzani, honored the winners with medals and trophies, acknowledging their exceptional accomplishments and dedication to the sport.
As Muhammad Asif continues to elevate Pakistan’s standing in the world of snooker, his triumph serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, emphasizing resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence on the global stage.
