Asif Storms Into National Snooker Semis

January 20, 2026

Pakistan’s cue legend Mohammad Asif storms into the semi-finals of the National Snooker Championship after thrilling victories, showcasing his skill, composure, and championship pedigree.

Karachi — Pakistan’s legendary cueist Mohammad Asif displayed his class and composure as he advanced to the semi-finals of the National Snooker Championship at the NBP Sports Complex. His strong performance on a highly competitive day highlighted his experience and reaffirmed his status as one of the country’s finest players.

Thrilling Last-16 and Quarter-Final Performances
Asif began his run with a tense pre-quarter-final encounter against defending champion Shahid Aftab. After trailing 4-2, the three-time world champion mounted an impressive comeback, winning three consecutive frames to seal a dramatic 5-4 victory. A crucial break of 66 in the deciding frame proved decisive in turning the match in his favour.

Carrying his momentum forward, Asif produced another composed display in the quarter-final against second seed Mohammad Sajjad. The contest remained competitive in the early stages, but Asif eventually took control and secured his place in the semi-finals with a commanding 106 break in the fifth frame, underlining his consistency and tactical superiority.

Strong Line-Up in the Final Four
Former national champion Asjad Iqbal also booked his place in the semi-finals with a dominant showing. He cruised to a 5-1 victory in the last 16 before delivering a clinical 5-0 whitewash against 2022 world champion Ahsan Ramzan in the quarter-finals, denying his opponent any opportunity to settle into the match.

Rana Irfan emerged victorious from a closely contested quarter-final, edging past Awaisullah Munir in a tense 5-4 encounter. He will be joined in the semi-finals by Mubashir Raza, who impressed with a solid 5-3 win in his own quarter-final clash.

An Open and Competitive Championship
The exit of several top seeds has made this year’s National Snooker Championship one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. With experienced champions and emerging talents set to clash in the semi-finals, fans can expect high-quality snooker as the race for the national title reaches its decisive stage.