RIYADH: Pakistan’s impressive run in the ACBS Asian 15-Red Team Snooker Championship came to an end as they lost to Thailand in the final on Friday.

Despite a stellar performance, the Pakistani duo of Asjad Iqbal and Awaisullah Munir had to settle for the silver medal, losing 3-0 to the Thai team.

The Thai team, comprising Kritsanut Lerts­attayathorn, Dechawat Poomjaeng and Yuttapop Pakpoj, proved too strong for Pakistan, winning the first frame 61-04.

The second frame was closely contested, but Thailand players’ clinical play seal the frame 75-53. Thailand then wrapped up the match with a convincing 90-26 win in the third frame with a fluent break of 61.

Earlier, Pakistan had defeated Hong Kong 3-1 in the semi-finals, with frame scores of 47-72, 88-40, 99-0 and 82-28. Asjad had made a brilliant break of 99 in the third frame to turn the match in Pakistan’s favour.

Pakistan’s performance in the championship was outstanding, with a total of five medals won across three events.

Awaisullah clinched the title in the 6-red championship, while Asjad lost in the semi-final to the eventual winner. In the Asian Under-21 final, Mohammed Hasnain Akhtar defeated compatriot Ahsan Iqbal to win the gold medal.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2024