MANAMA: Pakistan’s seasoned cueists Mohammad Asif and Shahid Aftab delivered commanding performances on the opening day of the IBSF World Masters Snooker Championship here on Sunday, securing victories in their respective group stage matches.

Asif, Pakistan’s most decorated cueist with five international titles, began his campaign

in dominant fashion — the 42-year-old dispatching Oman’s Haitham Bin Ali 3-0 in a one-sided affair.

Asif showcased his class with a break of 61 in the opening frame [89(61)-33], followed by a 46 break in the second [69(46)-4], before sealing the match (53-6). Asif continued his flawless run later in the day, comfortably defeating Ireland’s Jay Chopra 3-0 (68-33, 79-14, 67-16).

Reigning national champion Shahid faced a tougher challenge against Egypt’s Mohamed Noweir but emerged victorious in a tense 3-2 battle.

Shahid claimed the first frame (68-43), lost the second (47-64), but responded powerfully with a superb 88 clearance [88(88)-35].

Noweir levelled again by winning the fourth frame (31-60), forcing a decider where the 43-year-old Shahid held his nerve to clinch a decisive 94-36 victory.

The championship is featuring 43 players from 15 nations divided into 11 groups. The top two players from each group will advance to the knockout last-22 round.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2025