Asif progresses to semi-finals in Dubai

Pakistan cueist registers close win, Asjad crashes out of snooker event.

KARACHI: Pakistan number one Mohammad Asif recorded a thrilling win over Syria’s Omar Alkojah 5-4 to march into the semi-finals of the Dubai International Open, while compatriot Asjad Iqbal crashed out after a defeat to Hong Kong’s Andy Lee 5-4.

Meanwhile, Asif and Asjad’s participation in the IBSF World Championship was put in doubt with the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) failed to get a grant released by the Pakistan Sports Board.

It has been learnt that the association has asked for a special grant of Rs700,000, which is yet to be released.

“The PSB should release the grant because it is about the future of players,” a PBSA official told The Express Tribune. “There’s nothing bigger than a world championship for any player.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th, 2012.