Pakistan exit Asian Team event

Cueists go down to Afghanistan in one-sided quarter-final.

KARACHI: Pakistan crashed out of the 1st Asian Team event in Doha, losing their quarter-final against Afghanistan 3-1.

Despite leading the tie by a frame, Pakistan’s young guns were defeated with scores of 62-70, 69-60, 73-20 and 58-08 as Afghanistan showed why they have been tipped as one of the favourites at the event.

It was IBSF world champion Mohammad Asif who gave Pakistan the lead after winning a close opening frame. But Afghanistan hit back with Humza Akbar going down in the next. With scores level, the duo of Asif and Mohammad Majid Ali stepped up but Pakistan suffered a one-sided loss before Afghanistan rounded off the victory, beating Humza in the final singles frame.

Earlier, in the day, Pakistan were thrashed by Iran 3-0 as both Asif and Humza lost their singles while Asif and Majid tasted defeat in the doubles encounter.

However, the major positive of the tour was Asif’s triumph at the Asian 6-Red event and Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) was content with the team’s performance in the back-to-back events.

“We’re satisfied with the results of the Asian Team event because we wanted to give a chance to the youngsters as well,” PBSA Secretary Munawwar Sheikh told The Express Tribune. “Both Humza and Majid have a bright future and it was extremely important to give them some exposure at an international event.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2013.