Mohammad Asif Defeats India’s Damani in Thriller to Win IBSF World Masters Title

Pakistan’s snooker maestro Mohammad Asif added another glorious chapter to his career, defeating India’s Brijesh Damani 4-3 in a nerve-wracking final at the IBSF World Masters Championship in Bahrain. The victory marks Asif’s sixth world title, further cementing his status as one of snooker’s all-time greats.

The high-stakes final began with Asif dominating the first two frames, displaying his signature precision. However, Damani fought back fiercely, winning the next three frames to put the Pakistani champion under immense pressure. Trailing 2-3, Asif dug deep, leveling the score before delivering a masterclass in the deciding frame to seal the win. The final scores (98-37, 75-55, 00-80, 49-52, 41-64, 91-29, 78-9) reflected the intense back-and-forth nature of the contest.

Asif’s latest triumph adds to his remarkable record, which includes three individual world titles and two team championships. His journey to the final was equally impressive, having overpowered India’s Manan Chandra 4-2 in the semi-finals. The win not only reinforces his dominance in the sport but also brings immense pride to Pakistan on the international stage.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was among the first to congratulate Asif, hailing his victory as a testament to “exceptional talent and hard work.” Naqvi emphasized that Asif’s success against an Indian opponent in the final was a moment of national pride, stating, “Whether it’s sports or any other field, Pakistan is making its mark everywhere.” He expressed optimism that such achievements would inspire future generations to excel