MANAMA (Kashmir English): Pakistan’s star cueist Muhammad Asif has once again made the country proud by winning his sixth world title at the IBSF World Masters Championship in Bahrain. He defeated India’s Brijesh Damani in a thrilling final, winning the best-of-seven match 4-3.
The 36-year-old, who had suffered a group-stage defeat at the hands of Damani earlier in the tournament, displayed remarkable grit and composure to overturn the odds in the final. The win marked Asif’s sixth world title, his fourth in the individual category, solidifying his stature as one of Pakistan’s most accomplished cueists.
The final, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bahrain, saw Muhammad Asif take an early lead by winning the first two frames. However, Damani bounced back strongly, securing the next three frames. With the score tied at 3-3, Asif displayed nerves of steel and clinched the final frame to secure the title. Frame scores were: 98–37, 75–55, 0–80, 49–52, 41–64, 91–29, and 78–9.
This latest victory adds to Muhammad Asif’s impressive record, which now includes multiple individual and team championships. His performance at the IBSF World Masters has solidified his status as one of Pakistan’s greatest snooker players.
In a video message following his latest triumph, Asif acknowledged the psychological weight of competing in a Pakistan-India final, stating that such matches are played under immense public and emotional pressure.
“Whenever there’s a Pakistan-India match, public expectations rise significantly. Winning and losing is part of the game, but nobody wants to lose this kind of match,” Muhammad Asif remarked.
He admitted the final against Damani was mentally taxing. “There was pressure to win this match no matter what. Viewers may not have realised it, but the match was extremely tough,” he said.
The former world amateur champion also expressed hope to extend his winning form to upcoming international events, including the Six-Red Masters Tournament. “Alhamdulillah, I’ve won my sixth world title. I’m happy to dedicate another title to Pakistan,” he added.
Adding more celebration to the day, Pakistan’s 16-year-old Hasnain Akhtar also made history by winning the IBSF U-17 World Snooker Championship, defeating Wales’ Riley Powell 4-0.
The double win has brought joy to Pakistani sports fans and highlighted the country’s rising talent in international snooker. Muhammad Asif’s victory, in particular, reflects years of hard work, dedication, and consistency on the global stage.
