“I’m excited to play my first international 6-Red tournament because it’s a completely different challenge,” says Muhammad Asif. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
Players will take part in the 2nd Asian Team Championship from May 24 before the 6-Red event.
With the Faisalabad cueist suffering a dip in form after his IBSF triumph, the two tournaments give him the perfect opportunity to show his heroics in Bulgaria were no fluke.
“I’m excited to play my first international 6-Red tournament because it’s a completely different challenge,” Asif told The Express Tribune. “It’s like the T20 version of cricket which is played in lesser time.”
A three-day training camp was also held in Karachi to provide some practice to the four Pakistan cueists including Asif, Mohammad Sajjad, Humza Akbar and Mohammad Majid Ali.
Asif added that he will need to alter his methods for the 6-Red tournament.
‘Recent form not a concern’
The cueist was also unperturbed with his recent failures — crashing out early during the national championship before being knocked out in the prequarter-finals at the Asian Snooker Championship that was held in Karachi.
“I’m not concerned. I’ve learnt that the world champion tag is accompanied by huge expectations. Hopefully, I’d be able to put on a good show.”
Asif termed Pakistan’s squad balanced, adding that exposure the two young players, Humza and Majid, will gain in Doha would be invaluable.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 23rd, 2013.
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