Pakistan Secures World Cup Final Berth with Dominant Victory Over India
In a spectacular display of skill and determination, Pakistan's professional cueists Muhammad Asif and Asjad Iqbal powered their team to a resounding 3-1 victory over arch-rivals India in the semifinal of the Team Snooker World Cup on Saturday. The thrilling knockout clash took place in Muscat, where the Pakistani duo showcased exceptional talent to secure their place in the championship match against Hong Kong China.
Early Setback and Strong Comeback
The high-pressure encounter began with India drawing first blood as their star player Pankaj Advani delivered a strong performance against Asjad Iqbal. Advani dominated the opening frame with an 85-21 victory, giving India an early 1-0 advantage and putting Pakistan under immediate pressure.
However, Pakistan responded with equal force through Muhammad Asif, the reigning IBSF world champion. Asif produced a magnificent comeback in the second frame, executing a stunning 77-point break to crush India's Brijesh Damani 120-23. This emphatic victory leveled the contest at 1-1 and shifted the momentum firmly in Pakistan's favor.
Decisive Doubles and Final Domination
The crucial doubles frame proved to be the turning point of the match. The Pakistani pair demonstrated exceptional coordination, control, and precision throughout the frame. Their clinical performance resulted in a convincing 75-47 win, putting Pakistan ahead 2-1 and placing India on the back foot.
Returning to the table for the fourth and potentially final frame, Muhammad Asif delivered what can only be described as a masterclass in snooker. In a near-flawless display of skill and concentration, Asif overwhelmed the experienced Pankaj Advani with a decisive 73-9 victory. This outstanding performance sealed an unassailable 3-1 lead for Pakistan, sparking celebrations among the Pakistani contingent.
Road to the Semifinal
Earlier on the same day, Pakistan had earned their semifinal berth with an equally impressive performance against Qatar. The Pakistani team delivered a dominant 3-0 victory in the quarterfinals, demonstrating their strong form and championship potential throughout the tournament.
The victory sets up an exciting title decider against Hong Kong China, where Pakistan will be aiming to lift the Team Snooker World Cup trophy. This achievement marks another significant milestone for Pakistani cue sports on the international stage, continuing the country's proud tradition in the sport.
