Veteran Pakistani cueist Muhammad Asif added another remarkable achievement to his decorated career by defeating India’s Brijesh Damani in a gripping 4–3 final to win the IBSF World Masters Snooker Championship in Bahrain. The high-stakes showdown took place at the Crowne Plaza and marked Asif’s sixth world title, including four in the individual category—firmly establishing his legacy in international snooker.

The 36-year-old’s path to the title was anything but smooth. Having suffered a group-stage loss to Damani earlier in the tournament, Asif entered the final with a point to prove. He began in dominant fashion, capturing the first two frames. But Damani mounted a comeback, winning the next three to take a 3–2 lead and apply immense pressure on the Pakistani veteran.

Displaying the resilience and focus that have defined his career, Asif bounced back with a commanding sixth frame win and then sealed the match in a one-sided decider. Final frame scores stood at 98–37, 75–55, 0–80, 49–52, 41–64, 91–29, and 78–9.

Asif had earlier advanced to the final by overcoming India’s Manan Chandra 4–2 in the semi-final. Despite losing two middle frames, he maintained control throughout most of the match, with a strong finish securing his place in the final. Frame scores were 118–6, 0–84, 25–76, 92–11, 87–62, and 72–41.

In a video message after the win, Asif acknowledged the emotional weight of facing an Indian opponent in the final, noting the heightened public pressure. “Pakistan-India matches are emotionally charged, and the expectations are sky-high,” he said. “This was one of the toughest matches of my career, mentally and emotionally.”

He dedicated the win to Pakistan, expressing gratitude for the continued support and pledging to carry his form into future international tournaments, including the upcoming Six-Red Masters.

Rising Star Hasnain Akhtar Claims U-17 World Snooker Title

Pakistan had more reason to celebrate as young prodigy Muhammad Hasnain Akhtar captured the IBSF World U-17 Snooker Championship title, defeating Poland’s Riley Powell 4–0 in a dominant final performance.

Hasnain barely put a foot wrong throughout the tournament, dropping just one frame en route to the title. His final frame scores—86–7, 73–35, 50–32, and 98–4—reflected complete control and composure. With this historic win, Hasnain becomes the first Pakistani to claim the U-17 world snooker crown, sparking hope for a bright future in cue sports for the nation.

Together, the victories of Muhammad Asif and Hasnain Akhtar mark a historic day for Pakistani snooker, showcasing both seasoned brilliance and emerging talent on the global stage.