Pakistan 1’s Babar Masih (left) and Muhammad Asif (second left) along with Pakistan 2’s team members and Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation official Alamgir Sheikh (centre) pose for a group picture on Friday in Doha.
DOHA: Top cueist Mohammad Asif has said Pakistan’s maiden Asian Team Snooker Championship title was a huge boost for the sport in his country, crediting his team-mate Babar Masih for the victory in the final in Doha.
Pakistan A – Masih and Asif – defeated rivals India including seasoned cueist Pankaj Advani and Malkeet Singh, 3-2 (110-02, 47-81(52), 72-70, 05-107(68), 98-18) in the thrilling final at Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall on Friday.
Masih was in outstanding form in the title-deciding match winning his individual frames while playing leading role in the doubles frame. He also smashed a break of 81 in the opening frame.
“Whenever we play against India our fans want us to win, and we are thankful to Almighty that we managed to achieve the victory,” Asif, who won the 2012 IBSF World Championship, said while commenting on the victory.
“It was a tough final but Babar played very well after I lost the opening frame. We really wanted to win this tournament because we had never won it before. Last year, we lost the final and I am happy that finally we managed to claim the title,” said Asif.
Babar, who was man of the final, said he was confident throughout the final.
“My potting was good and thanks to a snooker on a crucial stage in the decisive frame which helped us beat the tough Indian side,” he said.
“It is our first title and that too after winning the final against India. I am very happy,” said Babar.
