By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Pakistan stormed to a historic victory on Sunday winning the World Team Snooker Championship after a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory against Hong Kong in the IBSF Snooker Team World Cup 2025 in Muscat, Oman.
The final, filled with tension and brilliance, showcased the skill, patience and determination of Pakistan’s experienced duo Muhammad Asif and Asjad Iqbal.
The match did not begin well for Pakistan. In the opening frame Asjad Iqbal struggled to find rhythm and was defeated 94–0 by Chau Hon Man, giving Hong Kong an early lead. Pakistan needed stability and Muhammad Asif delivered exactly that in the second frame. With calm precision, he compiled a strong break and defeated Nansen Wan 95–17, leveling the contest at 1–1.
The third frame, a doubles encounter, again went in Hong Kong’s favour. Pakistan faltered at crucial moments losing the frame 84–41 and falling behind 2–1. With only two frames remaining, Pakistan needed perfection to stay alive in the championship.
Under intense pressure, Muhammad Asif produced one of the finest performances of the tournament. In the fourth frame, he crafted a superb century break, scoring exactly 100 to defeat Chau 100–36. His brilliance brought Pakistan back into contention and electrified the atmosphere, setting up a winner-takes-all final frame.
The responsibility of the decider fell to Asjad Iqbal, who had struggled earlier but rose to the occasion with remarkable composure. Determined to make amends, he delivered the performance of a champion, compiling a stunning 104 break. His flawless frame ended 104–0, sealing Pakistan’s sensational 3–2 comeback victory and securing the world title.
The triumph adds another chapter to the nation’s growing reputation in cue sports. For Muhammad Asif, already a decorated world champion, the win serves as further confirmation of his exceptional career. For Asjad Iqbal, the victory highlights his resilience and big-match temperament.
Celebrations erupted across Pakistan as fans, officials, and former champions hailed the duo’s performance. The result also comes at a time when Pakistani snooker is enjoying a resurgence, with recent international triumphs boosting the sport’s popularity nationwide.
Pakistan’s victory on Sunday stands not only as a sporting achievement but also as a symbol of perseverance. From trailing 2–1 under immense pressure to producing back-to-back century breaks in the final frames, the team demonstrated extraordinary grit and skill. Their championship win will be remembered as one of the most thrilling and hard-fought victories in Pakistan’s snooker history.
