Pakistan can make a mark in Egypt: Iqbal

Asif, Sajjad not part of the squad for the world snooker championships which will begin today.

KARACHI: Cueist Asjad Iqbal has said that the Pakistan squad is capable of making a mark in the International Billiard Snooker Federation (IBSF) World 6-Red and Team Championships which will start today in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

With veterans Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Sajjad not part of the squad anymore, a lot will depend on Iqbal to fight for Pakistan considering he is more experienced compared to Babar Masih, Mohammad Bilal and Sohail Shehzad.

Previously, he has performed well in the domestic circuit and has shown flashes of brilliance in a few international tournaments, including his semi-final appearance at last year’s World 6-Red where he was beaten by India’s ex-professional player Pankaj Advani 5-4.

“I’m confident that I’ll be able to perform in the World 6-Red and Team Championships,” Asjad told The Express Tribune.

“The performances in last year’s World 6-Red and Team Championships has given me a confidence boost,  I can fight for titles and hopefully this will be the event where I would be able to have a crack at it.”

He said that the squad would feel Asif’s and Sajjad’s absence, but remained hopeful that other teammates would rise to the occasion.

Meanwhile, former IBSF world champion and ex-world team champion Mohammad Asif hoped that the young Pakistan squad will put up a good performance in Egypt.

“I’m missing these two important competitions but will support those who have been selected because they are going to represent Pakistan. I hope they will make the country proud,” said Asif. 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 20^th, 2016.

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