Pakistan’s snooker star, Mohammad Asif, secured his eighth career title on January 10, 2025, by defeating Sri Lanka’s Thaha Irshath 5-0 in the final of the third SAARC Snooker Championship held in Colombo.
Asif, a world amateur snooker champion, delivered a dominant performance at the Moors Snooker Club, winning every frame without dropping a single one. His impressive frame scores were 99-3, 73-46, 85-38, 109-6, and 74-0, with three breaks over 50, including a top break of 67 in the opening and closing frames.
This victory solidifies Asif’s position as one of the top amateur cueists in the region and adds to his illustrious career. In a post-match statement, Asif expressed his pride in winning the championship, which has brought honor to Pakistan.
The champion received heartfelt congratulations from Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. President Zardari praised Asif for his achievement, wishing him continued success. Prime Minister Sharif also congratulated Asif, emphasizing that his victory had brought international recognition to Pakistan.
Asif’s triumph in Colombo makes him the second Pakistani to win the prestigious SAARC Snooker Championship, following Asjad Iqbal’s win in the inaugural event in 2019.
At 42, Asif continues to excel in amateur snooker, with a remarkable legacy that includes three IBSF World Snooker Championships (2012, 2019, and 2024). His latest victory further cements his place among snooker’s elite players.
