Muhammad Asif of Pakistan advanced to the semi-finals of the World Games snooker event in Chengdu, China, by defeating Zac Cosker from Britain with a score of 2-0 in the quarter-finals.
Asif achieved an impressive 51-point break in the first frame, winning it 79-15. He followed up with another strong performance, winning the second frame 89-31 to secure the match. With a victory in the semi-finals, he will guarantee himself a spot on the podium, but even a loss will still allow him the chance to compete for the bronze medal.
Asif secured his spot in the quarter-finals by finishing at the top of Group B. He began with a 2-0 victory against China’s Xiaolong Liang on August 10, winning with scores of 79-50 and 77-24. The following day, August 11, he faced Germany’s Alexander Vadau and won 2-1. After losing the first frame 29-43, Asif rallied back with a remarkable 109-point break in the second frame (116-9) and secured the deciding frame with a score of 67-32. His consistent performances showcase his skill and resilience.
BREAKING: Pakistan's Mohammad Asif has qualified for the semi final of World Games Snooker with a 2-0 win over Zac Cosker of Great Britain. Asif won the QF with scores of 79-15 and 81-39. He is just one win away from securing a medal at the World Games. pic.twitter.com/m8UKpfxEm3
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) August 12, 2025Pakistan has won only one World Games snooker medal, a bronze earned by Shokat Ali in 2001. Asif, a former IBSF World Champion, qualified for the 2025 Games by winning the 2024 IBSF World Men’s Snooker Championship in Doha, where he defeated Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou with a score of 4-3. He also secured the IBSF World Masters title in Bahrain last month, narrowly beating India’s Brijesh Damani 4-3. This victory marks Asif’s sixth world title.
The 2025 World Games will host more than 4,000 athletes competing in 34 disciplines. In the snooker event, organizers have placed 12 players into four groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. Asif represents Pakistan in cue sports and competes in Group B alongside Liang and Vadau. Cue sports have featured in the World Games since 2001.
