Ayodeji Victor
Doha: Pakistan’s Muhammad Asif and Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou on Tuesday booked a place in the final of the IBSF World Snooker Championship in Qatar after both claiming victories in their respective semi-finals clash.
Asif, a two-time world champion, faced an early challenge, losing the first two frames to Georgiou.
However, he mounted a remarkable comeback, winning four consecutive frames with scores of 53-57, 5-71, 94-0, 111-6, 77-45, 73-9, 24-74, and ultimately clinching the match with a score of 58-51. His performance featured a century break in the fourth frame, marking his fifth of the tournament.
Although Georgiou initially took the first two frames, Asif’s resurgence shifted the momentum, particularly in the fifth and eighth frames, which were crucial to his success.
Georgiou, after losing four consecutive frames, posed some threats but Asif capitalised on key opportunities to clinch the match.
This marks Asif’s third appearance in the IBSF World Snooker Championship final, having previously claimed the title in 2012 and 2019. With this accomplishment, he joins an exclusive group of players who have reached three or more IBSF finals.
Leading this distinguished group is India’s Pankaj Advani, who has made four final appearances and secured three titles. Iran’s Amir Sarkhosh has also reached the final on three occasions but has yet to win a title.
Earlier, Asif ensured a medal for Pakistan by achieving a decisive 4-1 victory over Mohamed Shehab of the UAE in a high-caliber quarter-final match.
The contest featured remarkable century breaks from both competitors. Shehab began strongly, establishing an early lead with a century break of 100 points.
Nevertheless, Asif quickly equalized by winning the second frame and subsequently took command of the match. He delivered two consecutive breaks of 109 and 112, establishing a 3-1 lead. Despite Shehab’s efforts to mount a comeback in the fifth frame, Asif maintained his composure, clinching the frame 60-48 and securing his place in the semi-finals.
In a parallel match, Egypt’s Elhareedy also secured a medal for his nation by defeating England’s Harvey Chandler 4-1. Elhareedy raced to a 3-0 lead before Chandler responded with a break of 66 points to win the fourth frame. However, Elhareedy regained his dominance in the fifth frame, concluding the match with a 67-15 victory.
The reigning Asian Champion, Gharaghouzlo, progressed to the semi-finals after a decisive victory over India’s Sourav Kothari, winning 4-1.
Ali commenced the match with impressive form, claiming the first two frames, the second of which featured a break of 72. Despite Sourav’s efforts to rally by winning the third frame, Ali quickly reestablished his dominance, taking a 3-1 lead.
The fifth frame was completely controlled by Ali, who concluded the match with a score of 71-8, thereby securing a medal for Iran.
