Chengdu – Seasoned snooker player of Pakistan Muhammad Asif began his World Games 2025 snooker campaign with a convincing win, defeating China’s Xiaolong Liang 2-0 in his opening Group B match on Sunday.
Asif took control early, winning the first frame 79-50 before sealing the contest with a dominant 77-24 victory in the second frame. The best-of-three encounter lasted less than an hour showcasing his precision and composure.
Next Challenge
The 36-year-old will now face Germany’s Alexander Widau on Monday in his second group-stage match.
In the men’s snooker competition, 12 players are divided into four groups of three. The top two players from each group qualify for the quarterfinals. A second win for Asif would secure his place in the knockout stage.
Lone Representative in Snooker
Asif is Pakistan’s only representative in cue sports at the Games, earning his spot by winning the IBSF World Men’s Snooker Championship 2024 in Doha. In that final, he edged Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou 4-3 in a tense contest.
His qualification came via a wild card nomination from the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation (PBSA) which recognized his consistent international performances.
Recent Form and Career Achievements
Asif entered the Chengdu event in excellent form. Just last month, he won the IBSF World Masters Snooker Championship 2025 in Bahrain defeating India’s Brijesh Damani 4-3 in the final.
Over his career, Asif has collected six world titles including three individual championships and two team events. He remains one of Pakistan’s most successful cueists on the global stage.
World Games 2025 Snooker Format
- Venue: Chengdu, China
- Event Dates: August 8–18, 2025
- Snooker First Introduced: 2001
- 2025 Participants: 12 players from different countries
- Groups: 4 groups of three players each
- Advancement: Top two in each group progress to quarterfinals
This year’s World Games features over 4,000 athletes from more than 100 countries competing in 34 sports disciplines ranging from cue sports to martial arts.
National Pride on Line
For Pakistani fans, Asif’s participation is not just about medals but about representation on a prestigious multi-sport stage. With no other Pakistani in the snooker draw, all hopes rest on his cue.
A strong performance in Chengdu could further strengthen Pakistan’s presence in amateur snooker, a sport where the country has consistently produced world-class talent despite limited resources.
Looking Ahead
If Asif progresses to the quarterfinals, he will face tougher opposition from other group leaders. Given his current form and experience, he remains a strong contender for a podium finish.
Pakistan’s snooker community will be watching closely as the Group B matches conclude early next week.
