Mohammad Asif and Awaisullah Munir
Mohammad Asif and Awaisullah Munir: COLOMBO: In a thrilling all-Pakistan showdown at the Asian Team Snooker Championship, the duo of Mohammad Asif and Awaisullah Munir (Pakistan 1) outclassed their compatriots Shahid Aftab and Mohammad Sajjad (Pakistan 2) with a 3-1 victory in the quarter-finals on Friday. The high-stakes encounter showcased top-tier snooker, with Asif and Awaisullah displaying nerves of steel to secure their spot in the semi-finals.
Match Recap: A Battle of Nerves and Skill
1: A Tight Contest Sets the Tone
The opening frame was a tense affair, with both pairs trading blows. Pakistan 2’s Shahid Aftab and Mohammad Sajjad fought hard, crafting an impressive 53 break, but Asif and Awaisullah held their nerve, securing the frame 74-53 with a crucial 52-point contribution.
2: Pakistan 2 Strikes Back
Refusing to back down, Shahid and Sajjad dominated the second frame, winning it 27-66 to level the match. Their tactical play and precise potting kept them in contention, setting the stage for a gripping contest.
Frames 3 & 4: Asif-Awaisullah Take Command
The turning point came in the third frame, where Asif and Awaisullah regained control with a 61-22 victory. Their experience and composure under pressure proved decisive.
The fourth frame was a masterclass, as Awaisullah sealed the match with a superb 62 break, wrapping up the frame 78-1 and booking their place in the semi-finals.
Road to the Semi-Finals
The Asif-Awaisullah pair entered the knockout stage in strong form, having earlier defeated Sri Lanka 1 to maintain a perfect record. Meanwhile, Shahid and Sajjad had a commendable run, including a hard-fought comeback against Bahrain and a dominant 3-0 win over Sri Lanka 2 in the group stage.
Next Up: Semi-Final Against Malaysia
With this victory, Asif and Awaisullah advance to the semi-finals, where they will face Malaysia on Saturday. Both players bring a wealth of experience—Awaisullah is the defending singles champion, while Asif is an Asian 6-Red Snooker bronze medalist—making them strong contenders for the title.
Pakistan’s Strong Representation in Asian Snooker
Pakistan continues to be a powerhouse in Asian snooker, with multiple players making deep runs in international tournaments. The performances of both teams in this championship highlight the country’s depth of talent in cue sports.
FAQs
1. Who won the all-Pakistan clash in the Asian Team Snooker Championship?
Mohammad Asif and Awaisullah Munir (Pakistan 1) defeated Shahid Aftab and Mohammad Sajjad (Pakistan 2) by 3-1 in the quarter-finals.
2. What was the key moment in the match?
The fourth frame was decisive, with Awaisullah’s 62 break securing a dominant 78-1 win and sealing the victory.
3. Who will Asif and Awaisullah face in the semi-finals?
They will take on Malaysia in the semi-finals on Saturday, with a spot in the championship final at stake.
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