KARACHI: Mohammad Asif crowned a career of international achievement with a domestic pinnacle, defeating Rana Irfan 6-3 to win the NBP 50th National Snooker Championship and secure a record-extending fifth national title here at the NBP Sports Complex on Wednesday.

The three-time IBSF world champion, representing the National Bank of Pakistan, leveraged his vast experience to secure the golden jubilee title.

After sharing the opening two frames, Asif took control, winning four of the next five with a mix of tactical astuteness and scoring, including an 83 break in the third frame.

Irfan, the semi-final hero, provided a stunning highlight in the seventh frame, compiling a magnificent 141 clearance — the highest break of the entire championship.

The effort narrowed the deficit to 5-2 and offered a flicker of hope, but Asif swiftly extinguished the comeback by comfortably taking the ninth frame to seal his victory.

Following the match, a presentation ceremony was presided over by NBP president and CEO Rehmat Ali Hasnie and Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) president Abdul Qadir Memon. Asif received the winner’s trophy and a cash prize of Rs350,000.

Irfan was awarded Rs200,000 as runner-up and an additional Rs20,000 for his tournament-high 141 break.

The victory completes a dominant week for Asif, who dethroned the defending champion Shahid Aftab in the last-16 and dropped only seven frames in his final three knockout matches.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2026