Asif, who blamed an eyesight problem for his defeats, crashed out after recording one win and two losses in the national event. PHOTO: FILE EXPRESS
Asif, who became the second Pakistani to win the IBSF world tite, said that he was once again troubled by an eyesight problem that led to this defeat.
“I was once again troubled by my eyesight problem,” Asif told The Express Tribune.
When asked what are his chances of recovering before the Asian Snooker Championship, he said, “I’ll definitely get over this problem before the start of that mega event. I’m aiming to win that event to make a strong statement as people have started questioning my commitment after becoming the world champion.”
However, an official of the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation feels that Asif needs to up his game. “It’s easier to become the world number one than maintaining the consistency to remain in that position.”
In other results, Mohammad Sajjad defeated Mohammad Majid Ali 4-1 with frame scores of 67-19, 50-41, 69-49, 41-58 and 76-60, while Mohammad Javed piped Abdul Sattar 4-3.
Shahid Aftab and Sharjeel Mehmood registered 4-2 victories against Vishan Gir and Khurram Agha respectively.
Sultan Mohammad continued his comeback in the event as he downed former world champion Mohammad Yousuf 4-3, also registering a break of 110 in the process. He won with scores of 69-36, 72-16, 28-78, 87-05, 0-66, 66-67 and 112-0 (110). Ayaz also hit a century break in 4-1 win against Abdul Rehman by 65-56, 112-0 (111), 31-56, 58-04 and 78-13.
Asjad Iqbal defeated Abu Saim 4-1, while Sohail Shehzad won 4-2 against Umair Alam.
PBSF looking to field eight cueists for Asian event
Meanwhile, PBSF President Alamgir Sheikh said the federation is looking to field eight cueists for the Asian Championship.
“We’ll be fielding eight cueists for the mega event because as a host nation we have an advantage to play more players,” Sheikh told The Express Tribune. “However, we are yet to finalise the list.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 22nd, 2013.
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