Asif set to clash with Thaha in SAARC Snooker final today

LAHORE: Pakistan’s Muhammad Asif has reached the final of the 3rd SAARC Snooker Championship 2025. Asif will face Sri Lanka’s Thaha Irshath in the championship final on Friday (today).

The quarter-finals witnessed thrilling matches, with Ankit Man of Nepal narrowly defeating Sri Lanka’s Susantha Botheju 4-3 in a close contest (76-41, 16-81, 73-57, 23-49, 16-67, 81-37, 46-42). Pakistan’s Muhammad Naseem Akhtar secured his place in the semi-finals by overcoming India’s Kamal Chawla 4-2 (69-17, 16-61, 95(95)-01, 21-65, 72(67)-13, 66-16), who is the current 6 Red World Champion.

In the semi-finals, Thaha Irshath triumphed over Ankit Man with a 5-3 victory (86(58)-50(50), 56(50)-69(57), 0-88(68), 97(78)-23, 73-24, 27-65, 82(66)-9, 112(66)-02). Meanwhile, Muhammad Asif defeated his compatriot Muhammad Naseem Akhtar in another gripping match, winning 5-3 (21-60, 53-30, 76(72)-50, 37-91, 81(50)-49, 59-22, 0-131(102), 72-15). Asif’s journey to the final has been commendable, having directly qualified for the semi-finals and showcasing exceptional skill throughout the tournament.