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CHENGDU: Pakistan’s seasoned cueist Muhammad Asif continued his fine run at the World Games 2025, edging past Germany’s Alexander Widau 2-1 in a tense Group B encounter in Chengdu, China, on Monday.
Asif was forced to fight back after losing the opening frame 29-43. He responded in style, producing a brilliant 109-point break to dominate the second frame 116-9 and level the match.
Carrying that momentum into the decider, the Pakistani veteran sealed victory with a 67-32 win.
With back-to-back victories, Asif has topped Group B and booked his place in the quarterfinals, scheduled for Tuesday.
The two-time IBSF World Champion had started his campaign on Sunday with a convincing 2-0 win over China’s Xiaolong Liang, taking the frames 79-50 and 77-24.
In the men’s snooker event at the World Games, 12 players are split into four groups, with the top two progressing to the quarterfinals.
The tournament is part of a multi-sport spectacle featuring over 4,000 athletes from more than 100 nations, competing in 34 disciplines.
Snooker, introduced to the Games in 2001, will see 12 contenders battle for gold this year.
Muhammad Asif qualified for the World Games by clinching the IBSF World Men’s Snooker Championship in Doha last year, defeating Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou 4-3 in a thrilling final.
Last month, he further underlined his form by capturing the IBSF World Masters Snooker Championship in Bahrain, overcoming India’s Brijesh Damani 4-3 to secure his sixth world title, including two team and three individual crowns.
READ: Pakistan suffer decline in latest ICC Men’s ODI rankings
