Top-notch Muhammd Asif wins IBSF World Snooker Championship for the second time
Pakistan's dexterous cueist Muhammad Asif won the IBSF World Snooker Championship 2019 held in Antalya, Turkey.
Pakistan's dexterous cueist Muhammad Asif won his second world title after beating Philippines player Jefrey Roda 8-5 in the final of IBSF World Snooker Championship 2019 played in Turkey’s Antalya on Saturday.
The championship was held in Antalya, the coastal city of Turkey, from 29th October till 9th November at the Starlight Hotel Resorts.
For Asif this was his second world title after he won the first title in 2012 at Bulgaria where he defeated Gary Wilson, of England, 10-8 in the final.
Asif was up against Jefrey Roda of Philippines who, even in defeat, managed to secure a medal for his country after a gap of 27 years.
In the beginning it looked an easy win for 37 year old Asif after he obtained a quick three frame lead.
Jefrey made a strong comeback in the game with a break of 105 points. Later they both countered each other to reach 7-5 in favour of Asif.
13th frame was crucial where Jefrey fought hard but Asif held his nerve towards the end and succeeded to win 8-5.
Asif was home with the final score line of 68-35, 88-0, 69 (65)-17, 28-73, 5-118 (105), 93 (69)-0, 69-1, 72 (72)-59 (59), 10-93 (71),77-4, 21-65, 54-66, 68-51.
Earlier, Mohammad Asif qualified for the final of IBSF World Snooker Championship, beating Thailand's Kritsanut Lertsattayathorn in the semi-final.
Asif won the semi-final with score of 88-41, 65-20, 86-35, 54-02, 73-17, 69-51 and 78-77.
Muhammad Asif had also won the World Snooker title in 2012. He became the first Pakistani after 1994 to win the title after defeating England’s Gary Wilson 10-8 in Sofia, Bulgaria.
After winning the title, Asif dedicated the win to Pakistani nation and Kashmiri brethren. He said this is a win for the entire nation.
Asif said he is happy about becoming world champion for second time as it was a difficult task.
