Asif defeats Bilal to win snooker ranking tournament

IBSF World Champion looking forward to defending his title in Latvia.

KARACHI: IBSF World Champion Mohammad Asif clinched the title of the Langnese 4th Ranking Snooker Cup 2013 when he defeated Muhammad Bilal 8-4 in the final on Sunday.

Asif has the reputation of picking up his game gradually and winning the matches, and he did not disappoint his fans in the final either. He conceded the first frame 96-37, but went on to take the following seven frames in style.

After taking the 7-1 lead, he lost his focus in the ninth frame as Bilal went on to take the next three games and narrowed the scoreline to 7-4.

But Asif proved his mettle and sealed victory in the last frame 98-0 with a break of 50.

“It was an interesting match,” Asif told The Express Tribune. “Bilal played well, but I think I got a little relaxed when I took my seventh frame, hence Bilal ended up taking the next three frames. But the entire tournament was great.

“The format of playing eight league matches before the semi-final and final also helped. It gives you enough confidence and room to improve. The competition was also very tough, but every cueist had been very enthusiastic throughout the event.

“I saw some great upcoming talent and at the same time seasoned players like Muhammad Sajjad and Imran Shehzad also performed well.”

This win gave my confidence a boost: Asif

Asif said that winning the ranking championship was extremely important for him as this was also his practice tournament before the IBSF World Championship in Latvia.

He will be defending his title at the World Championship from November 28.

“This win has given me the confidence boost that I needed before the World Championship,” said Asif. “This was an intense training session for me in a way and I’m happy that I won the event.”

Asif will be accompanied by Sajjad, Imran and Shahid Aftab in the World Championship.

“I want to defend my title successfully, and I’m hoping that I’ll win again. It’s also about our team and we are very confident about our ability.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 25^th, 2013.

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