KARACHI: Mohammad Asif, the recently crowned world amateur snooker champion, is looking to step onto the professional circuit but wants the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) to help him fulfil his dream.
Asif became the second Pakistani to lift the title by defeating UK’s Gary Wilson 10-8 in the 19-frame final in Sofia, Bulgaria.
“I’d like to play in the professional circuit but will be seeking help from PBSA, PSB and some sponsors,” Asif told The Express Tribune. “I’ll need around Rs2m to play professional snooker. If I’m not able to get financial help, I will carry on playing in the amateur category.”
It should be mentioned here that the PSB and the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) had not given funds to the PBSA to send Asif and Asjad Iqbal to the world championship.
Asif added that by playing against the best cueists in the world, he will be able to transfer whatever he learnt to young players in the country.
“Playing against the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan or Mark Williams will be a different experience. I’ll get to learn a whole new dimension of the game which I can then share with other players back home.”
The 30-year-old Pakistan number one has been showered with rewards following his stunning win in Bulgaria but hoped that the announcements will pave way for the cash award to be delivered.
“I’m optimistic that I’ll be given my due cash awards.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 19th, 2012.
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