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PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulates Asif for World Snooker Championship victory

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Mohammad Asif for winning the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Snooker Championship 2024.

Asif clinched his third IBSF World Snooker Championship 2024 title by defeating Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou with a score of 5-3 in Doha, Qatar.

Asif has previously won the coveted championship in 2012 and 2019. Moreover, he has also clinched two team titles, which makes him the most decorated cueist in the history of Pakistan with five world titles.

For the unversed, the 42-year-old player made his entrance into the tournament as a qualifier, having received a nomination from the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) to participate as a wild card entrant.

However, he seized the opportunity with remarkable determination, delivering breathtaking performances which earned him qualification for the final against Gharahgozlou.

His extraordinary accomplishment garnered accolades from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who commended Asif for his exceptional efforts that brought honour and pride to the nation.

“Mohammad Asif has made the nation proud by clinching the World Snooker Championship title for the third time,” the prime minister said, according to a PM Office statement. “Asif’s family members and coach also deserve felicitation.”

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Additionally, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the government is committed to prioritizing the establishment of top-notch facilities for sportsmen, ensuring they have the resources needed to excel and compete effectively on the global stage.

During the final against Gharahgozlou, Asif dominated the opening frame with a commanding score of 70-25 with an impressive display of skill. However, Gharahgozlou quickly found his rhythm in the second frame, levelling the contest with a resounding victory of 87-7.

Undeterred, Asif regained his momentum in the third frame, showcasing his talent by winning decisively at 82-8.

The Pakistani cueist then delivered a breathtaking performance in the fourth frame, executing a flawless 106 clearance break, which was his sixth-century break of the tournament.

Asif continued to exhibit his prowess in the fifth frame, further solidifying his advantage with a convincing 82-12 win, bringing his lead to a solid 4-1.

Although Gharahgozlou fought back valiantly, claiming victories in both the sixth and seventh frames, Asif proved too strong. He sealed his victory in the eighth frame with a stellar performance, executing a remarkable 93-point break.

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Mohammad Asif clinches IBSF World Snooker Championship 2024 title

DOHA: Pakistani cueist Mohammad Asif has defeated Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou to claim the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Snooker Championship 2024 title here on Wednesday.

The 42-year-old player made his entrance into the tournament as a qualifier, having received a nomination from the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) to participate as a wild card entrant.

He seized the opportunity with remarkable determination, delivering breathtaking performances that captivated audiences throughout the tournament.

Mohammad Asif clinched the coveted IBSF World Snooker Championship 2024 title with a score of 5-3 against Ali Gharahgozlou in the final.

Asif started the match with an impressive display of skill, dominating the opening frame with a commanding score of 70-25. However, Gharahgozlou quickly found his rhythm in the second frame, levelling the contest with a resounding victory of 87-7.

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Undeterred, Asif regained his momentum in the third frame, showcasing his talent by winning decisively at 82-8.

The Pakistani cueist then delivered a breathtaking performance in the fourth frame, executing a flawless 106 clearance break, which was his sixth-century break of the tournament.

Asif continued to exhibit his prowess in the fifth frame, further solidifying his advantage with a convincing 82-12 win, bringing his lead to a solid 4-1.

This is the third individual world title of Mohammad Asif, having previously won championships in 2012 and 2019.

Moreover, he has also clinched two team titles, which makes him the most decorated cueist in the history of Pakistan with five world titles.

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India’s Chawla beats Asjad Iqbal in World 6 Red Snooker Championship final

ULAANBAATAR: Pakistani cueist Asjad Iqbal had an agonizing end to his IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship campaign as he succumbed to a 6-2 defeat against India’s Kamal Chawla in the final here on Wednesday.

In-form Asjad started the high-stakes match on a high as he won the first two frames to take an early advantage.

But Kamal Chawla, unfazed by Asjad Iqbal’s flying start, won six consecutive frames and claimed the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship title, while the Pakistani cueist settled for a silver medal.

Asjad stormed into the final after registering a thumping victory over India’s Malkeet Singh in the semi-final on Tuesday.

Asjad triumphed over Malkeet with a score of 6-0 in the semi-final clash to secure his spot in the final.

Earlier that day, Asjad Iqbal shocked the world as he registered an upset victory over the defending champion Michael Georgiou in the quarter-finals with the frame scores of 38-15, 0-38, (40)41-0, (43)43-12, (55)62-0, 12-31, 38-0.

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Previously, Asjad Iqbal secured his spot in the quarter-final with a hard-fought 5-3 victory over Mongolia’s Lkhagvasuren Tumurchudur. The frame scores were 73-0, 08-56, 02-54, 57-18, 34-21, 44-0, 05-55, 36-04.

On the other hand, another Pakistani cueist Awais Muneer crashed out of the tournament after suffering a close defeat against Iran’s Siyavosh Mozayani.

Asjad earned a direct qualification for the pre-quarterfinal while Awais advanced to the last 20.

Asjad Iqbal triumphed over India’s Pandurangaiah 4-1, with frame scores of 41-32, 35-36, 75-08, 50(50)-09, 35-22.

It is worth mentioning here that prior to the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir participated in the IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024.

The national players fared well in the tournament with Asjad securing the bronze medal.

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Pakistan’s Haris beats England’s Blackwell in second round of British Open

CHELTENHAM: Pakistan snooker player Haris Tahir continued to prove his mettle as he outclassed England’s Simon Blackwell in the second round of the British Open 2024 here on Tuesday.

Tahir, who has been in brilliant form, started the second-round fixture on a high by winning the opening frames with scores of 71-32 and 63-16.

Blackwell pulled one back by winning the third frame, which saw him scoring a 56-point break, and reduced Tahir’s lead to 2-1.

But, Haris Tahir, fuelled with momentum, denied Simon Blackwell any chance of a comeback and won the next two frames comprehensively to secure a statement victory and advance into the Last 32 of the British Open 2024.

Tahir qualified for the final stages of the tournament by edging past Scotland’s Dean Young in the qualifying round last month.

In a thrilling snooker match, Tahir and Young battled it out in a series of closely contested frames. Tahir took the lead by winning the first frame with a score of 58-43, setting the stage for an intense showdown.

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Young retaliated in the second frame, narrowly defeating Tahir with a score of 68-65. Undeterred, Tahir staged a comeback in the third frame, securing a convincing 78-31 win before continuing his impressive form to clinch the fourth frame with a score of 74-13.

However, the momentum shifted as the Scottish cueist fought back vigorously, displaying dominance in the fifth frame with a score of 73-48. He followed this up with a nail-biting victory in the sixth frame, edging out Tahir 69-62 in a closely fought contest.

In the final and decisive seventh frame, Haris Tahir secured his triumph with a score of 63-36. His overall performance throughout the match was commendable, and this last frame solidified his well-deserved victory in the qualifying round of the British Open.

READ: Asjad thumps India’s Malkeet to reach World 6 Red Snooker Championship final

Asjad Iqbal thumps Malkeet Singh to reach World 6 Red Snooker Championship final

ULAANBAATAR: Pakistani cueist Asjad Iqbal continued his domination and thumped India’s Malkeet Singh to reach the final of the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship here on Tuesday.

Asjad triumphed over Malkeet with a score of 6-0 in the semi-final clash to secure his spot in the final.

Earlier in the day, Asjad Iqbal shocked the world as he registered an upset victory over the defending champion Michael Georgiou in the quarter-finals with the frame scores of 38-15, 0-38, (40)41-0, (43)43-12, (55)62-0, 12-31, 38-0.

Asjad is now set to face India’s Malkeet Singh in the semi-final of the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship later today.

On the other hand, another Pakistani cueist Awais Muneer crashed out of the tournament after suffering a close defeat against Iran’s Siyavosh Mozayani.

Asjad earned a direct qualification for the pre-quarterfinal while Awais advanced to the last 20.

Asjad Iqbal triumphed over India’s Pandurangaiah 4-1, with frame scores of 41-32, 35-36, 75-08, 50(50)-09, 35-22.

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Meanwhile, Awais Munir defeated Singapore’s Jia Jun Ong with the scoreline of 63-0, 65-0, 0-56, 36-02, 35-26.

However, in his next match, he was defeated by Israel’s Shachar Ruber. The frame scores were as follows: 16-43(43), 53-12, 43(43)-13, 8-64(64), 33-21, 12-40, 40-10.

Asjad Iqbal continued his dominant run as he edged past Iraq’s Alijalil Ali 4-3 with the frame scores of 39-23, 30-34, 66-0, 0-41, 1-54, 39-29, 63(58)-0.

A total of 40 players, participating in the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, are divided into four groups. The top two players from each group will advance to the knockout stage.

The knockout stage matches will begin on September 22, with the last 20 and 16 rounds. The quarterfinals and semi-finals will take place on September 24, with the final match on September 25.

It is worth mentioning here that prior to the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir participated in the IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024.

The national players fared well in the tournament with Asjad securing the bronze medal.

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Asjad Iqbal stuns defending champion Michael Georgiou to reach World 6 Red Snooker Championship semi-final

ULAANBAATAR: Pakistani cueist Asjad Iqbal shocked the world as he registered an upset victory over the defending champion Michael Georgiou to qualify for the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship semi-final here on Tuesday.

In the quarter-final match, Asjad came out victorious with a score of 5-2 against Georgiou. The frame scores were as follows: 38-15, 0-38, (40)41-0, (43)43-12, (55)62-0, 12-31, 38-0.

Asjad is now set to face India’s Malkeet Singh in the semi-final of the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship later today.

On the other hand, another Pakistani cueist Awais Muneer crashed out of the tournament after suffering a close defeat against Iran’s Siyavosh Mozayani.

Asjad earned a direct qualification for the pre-quarterfinal while Awais advanced to the last 20.

Asjad Iqbal triumphed over India’s Pandurangaiah 4-1, with frame scores of 41-32, 35-36, 75-08, 50(50)-09, 35-22.

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Meanwhile, Awais Munir defeated Singapore’s Jia Jun Ong with the scoreline of 63-0, 65-0, 0-56, 36-02, 35-26.

However, in his next match, he was defeated by Israel’s Shachar Ruber. The frame scores were as follows: 16-43(43), 53-12, 43(43)-13, 8-64(64), 33-21, 12-40, 40-10.

Asjad Iqbal continued his dominant run as he edged past Iraq’s Alijalil Ali 4-3 with the frame scores of 39-23, 30-34, 66-0, 0-41, 1-54, 39-29, 63(58)-0.

A total of 40 players, participating in the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, are divided into four groups. The top two players from each group will advance to the knockout stage.

The knockout stage matches will begin on September 22, with the last 20 and 16 rounds. The quarterfinals and semi-finals will take place on September 24, with the final match on September 25.

It is worth mentioning here that prior to the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir participated in the IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024.

The national players fared well in the tournament with Asjad securing the bronze medal.

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Asjad Iqbal, Awais Iqbal advance to knockout stage of World 6 Red Snooker Championship

ULAANBAATAR: Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir continued their good form in the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship campaigns as they qualified for the knockout stage here on Sunday.

Asjad earned a direct qualification for the pre-quarterfinal while Awais advanced to the last 20.

Asjad Iqbal triumphed over India’s Pandurangaiah 4-1, with frame scores of 41-32, 35-36, 75-08, 50(50)-09, 35-22.

Meanwhile, Awais Munir defeated Singapore’s Jia Jun Ong with the scoreline of 63-0, 65-0, 0-56, 36-02, 35-26.

However, in his next match, he was defeated by Israel’s Shachar Ruber. The frame scores were as follows: 16-43(43), 53-12, 43(43)-13, 8-64(64), 33-21, 12-40, 40-10.

Asjad Iqbal continued his dominant run as he edged past Iraq’s Alijalil Ali 4-3 with the frame scores of 39-23, 30-34, 66-0, 0-41, 1-54, 39-29, 63(58)-0.

Yesterday, Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir made triumphant starts to their respective IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship campaigns.

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Asjad secured a comfortable 4-1 victory over Mongolia’s Ulziitogtokh Davaasuren. Asjad dominated his opponent in all departments and also registered two 75-plus breaks.

The scoreline of his thumping victory read: 50-18, 75(75)-0, 82(75)-0, 0-73(73), 64(61)-0.

Meanwhile, Awais came from behind to claim a 4-2 victory over Mongolia’s Mendsaikhan Bat-Erdene.

He displayed nerves of steel after being two frames down and won three consecutive frames to seal the victory. The scoreline of his stunning win read: 64(64)-0, 20-45, 0-54(47), 54-10, 53-21, 46-15.

A total of 40 players, participating in the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, are divided into four groups. The top two players from each group will advance to the knockout stage.

The knockout stage matches will begin on September 22, with the last 20 and 16 rounds. The quarterfinals and semi-finals will take place on September 24, with the final match on September 25.

It is worth mentioning here that prior to the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir participated in the IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024.

The national players fared well in the tournament with Asjad securing the bronze medal.

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Pakistan cueists script triumphant start to IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship

ULAANBAATAR: Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir on Saturday, made triumphant starts to their respective IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship campaigns.

Asjad secured a comfortable 4-1 victory over Mongolia’s Ulziitogtokh Davaasuren. Asjad dominated his opponent in all departments and also registered two 75-plus breaks. The scoreline of his thumping victory read: 50-18, 75(75)-0, 82(75)-0, 0-73(73), 64(61)-0.

Meanwhile, Awais came from behind to claim a 4-2 victory over Mongolia’s Mendsaikhan Bat-Erdene. He displayed nerves of steel after being two frames down and won three consecutive frames to seal the victory. The scoreline of his stunning win read: 64(64)-0, 20-45, 0-54(47), 54-10, 53-21, 46-15.

Asjad Iqbal will now face India’s Pandurangaiah while Awais Munir will lock horns with Singapore’s Jia Jun Ong on the second day of the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship on Sunday.

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Later in the day, Asjad Iqbal is scheduled to face Iraq’s Alijalil Ali while Awais will square off against Israel’s Shachar Ruber.

A total of 40 players, participating in the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, are divided into four groups. The top two players from each group will advance to the knockout stage.

The knockout stage matches will begin on September 22, with the last 20 and 16 rounds. The quarterfinals and semi-finals will take place on September 24, with the final match on September 25.

It is worth mentioning here that prior to the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir participated in the IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024.

The national players fared well in the tournament with Asjad securing the bronze medal.

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Pakistan’s Asjad Iqbal qualifies for Mongolia World Cup semi-finals

ULAANBAATAR: Pakistani cueist Asjad Iqbal qualified for the semi-final of the ongoing IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024 after defeating China’s Gao Yang in the quarter-final here on Wednesday.

Asjad Iqbal made a brilliant start as he won the first frame with a score of 76-0. However, Gao Yang made a resounding comeback winning the next two frames with scores of 25-64, 0-135(135).

The Pakistani cueist then took the lead with a victory in the fourth frame 81(76)-34, followed by a 65-64 victory in the next frame.

The Chinese cueist once again levelled the scores with 50(50)-69(69), but Asjad Iqbal triumphed with the victory in the last frame 69-50.

Meanwhile, in another quarter-final clash, Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou defeated Pakistan’s Awais Munir 4-2. The frame scores were 68-60, 66(58)-64(55), 8-78, 37-65, 66(53)-23, 111(65)-09.

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Asjad Iqbal will next face Michael Georgiou of Cyprus in the semi-final of the Mongolia Snooker World Cup.

Previously, Asjad Iqbal defeated Hong Kong’s Chang Yu Kiu in the pre-quarter-final match with a score of 4-1.

He lost the first frame 08-89, however, he staged a comeback, winning the next four frames with scores of 74-62(62), 71-12, 57-46, and 71(68)-24.

Awais Munir edged past another Hong Kong cueist Chau Hon Man 4-2. The frame scores were 44-81, 80-08, 17-65, 88-42, 85(79)-05 and 66-34.

Asjad also registered an upset victory over world champion Ali Al Obaidli on Sunday with scores of 59-36, 26-63, 58-19, and 70-58 earning direct qualification for the pre-quarter round.

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Pakistan’s Awais Munir, Asjad Iqbal advance to Mongolia World Cup quarter-finals

ULAANBAATAR: Pakistani cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir extended their dominant run in the ongoing IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024 as they qualified for the quarter-final stage of the tournament.

In the pre-quarter-final match, Asjad Iqbal defeated Hong Kong’s Chang Yu Kiu with a score of 4-1. He lost the first frame 08-89, however, he staged a comeback, winning the next four frames with scores of 74-62(62), 71-12, 57-46, and 71(68)-24.

Meanwhile, Awais Munir edged past another Hong Kong cueist Chau Hon Man 4-2. The frame scores were 44-81, 80-08, 17-65, 88-42, 85(79)-05 and 66-34.

Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir will now face China’s Gao Yang and Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou in the quarter-final clash today.

Previously, Asjad shocked the world with an upset victory over world champion Ali Al Obaidli on Sunday.

He Iqbal secured the 3-1 victory with scores of 59-36, 26-63, 58-19, and 70-58 earning direct qualification for the pre-quarter round.

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Meanwhile, Awais Munir defeated Iran’s Siyavosh Mozayani with a 3-1 margin. The frame scores were 09-63, 78-34, 59-50, 73-13.

Prior to that, Awais Munir defeated Mongolia’s Kash Uchjir in his first match of the Mongolia Snooker World Cup with frame scores of 60-17, 62-12, and 81-09.

He continued his winning ways in the second game as he edged past Oman’s Hussain Al-Wati with the scores of 68-06, 10175-12, and 83-15.

Meanwhile, Asjad Iqbal kicked off his Mongolia Snooker World Cup campaign with a victory over Mongolia’s Batarkhuu Naranhuu with a score of 3-0. The frame scores were 71-38, 71-51, and 110-32.

He faced Japan’s Junji Miyazawa in his second match, winning again without dropping a frame, with the scores of 68-18, 63-11, and 83-01.

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