Pakistan claimed the IBSF Snooker World Cup Team Championship on Sunday after staging an impressive comeback to defeat Hong Kong China 2 by 3–2 in the best-of-five final.
The Pakistani duo — former world champion Muhammad Asif and Asjad Iqbal — delivered two outstanding century breaks during the decisive stage of the contest, securing the championship in remarkable fashion. The Hong Kong China 2 side featured Chau Hon Man and Nansen Wan.
Hong Kong took an early lead when Chau Hon Man convincingly beat Asjad Iqbal 94–0, powered by an 85 break, putting Pakistan on the back foot right at the start of the final.
Pakistan levelled the contest in the second singles frame. Asif responded with a brilliant 82 break, securing a 95–17 win over Nansen Wan.
Hong Kong again took the lead by winning the doubles frame 84–41, moving ahead 2–1 and placing Pakistan on the brink.
But the momentum shifted dramatically when the match entered the reverse singles. Asif delivered a clinical 100 break, beating Chau Hon Man 100–36 to pull Pakistan back to 2–2.
With the championship riding on the final frame, Iqbal rose to the moment, compiling a superb 104 break to overpower Nansen Wan 104–0 and complete Pakistan’s comeback victory.
The result sealed a 3–2 win for Pakistan, with frame scores: 0–94 (85), 95 (82)–17, 41–84, 100 (100)–36, 104 (104)–0
This triumph also adds to Asif’s distinguished career record. It marks his seventh overall world title, which now includes three team world championships, three individual world titles, and one World Masters crown.
Source: The News