KARACHI: Mohammad Asif said his confidence in his abilities was key as he put up a show of dominance to capture a third Saarc Snooker Championship title on Friday.

The 44-year-old downed Sri Lanka’s Thaha Irshath 5-0 [99(67)-03, 73-46, 85-38, 109(50)-6, 74(67)-0] in the final at the Moors Sports Club in Colombo for his his sixth international title, cementing his status as one of the region’s top cueists.

“I was pretty confident before the tournament as I was one of the most experienced players in the tournament,” Asif, who wrapped up the match with breaks of 67, 50 and 67, told Dawn in an interview over the phone. “That belief in my ability was key in my success.”

Asif attributed Irshath’s defeat to the pressure of playing in his first major final.

“He is a good player but I think as it was his first final he wasn’t able to handle the pressure maybe,” Asif said.

Asif, who remained unbeaten in the event, has no plans to compete in any tours in the United Kingdom.

“I have some responsibilities here so I am not planning to play in the UK. I will continue playing in these IBSF events and bring more titles.”

Asif acknowledged that the tournament was relatively small, with only six nations participating, but was delighted with his triumph.

“It was comparatively an easier tournament but nonetheless I feel very good,” he said.

The match began with Irshath committing a foul in the first frame, gifting Asif an early opportunity. Asif capitalised on the mistake, crafting a brilliant 67-break to take the frame 99-3. The frame lasted 14 minutes, with Asif showcasing his mastery from the outset.

In the second frame, Asif showcased his tactical prowess, playing a series of safety shots to frustrate Irshath.

The Sri Lankan cueist eventually cracked under pressure, allowing Asif to secure the frame 73-46. Irshath had briefly threatened to mount a challenge, compiling a 41-point break, but Asif’s experience and composure ultimately paid off.

Asif continued to assert his dominance in the third frame, compiling a 34-break before Irshath mounted a brief challenge.

However, Asif’s precision and control eventually told, as he wrapped up the frame 85-38. Irshath’s error-prone performance continued to cost him dearly, as Asif punished every mistake with ruthless efficiency.

The fourth frame saw both players adopt a cautious approach, but Asif’s precision and control eventually told. He crafted a 50-break to take the frame 109-6 and move within one frame of victory. Irshath had a golden opportunity to stitch a commanding break, but he failed to capitalise, allowing Asif to seize the initiative.

Asif sealed the title in style, producing a flawless display in the fifth frame. He registered a 67-break to take the frame 74-0, sparking celebrations in the Pakistani camp.

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2025