KARACHI: Mohammad Asif capped a career of international success with a national high, beating Rana Irfan 6-3 to win the 50th NBP National Snooker Championship and clinch a record fifth national title here at the NBP Sports Complex on Wednesday.
The three-time IBSF world champion, representing the National Bank of Pakistan, used his vast experience to win the golden jubilee title.
After splitting the first two frames, Asif took control, winning four of the next five thanks to a mixture of tactical astuteness and scoring, including an 83 break in the third frame.
Irfan, the hero of the semi-final, provided a stunning highlight in the seventh frame, compiling a magnificent clearance of 141 – the highest break in the entire championship.
The effort narrowed the gap to 5-2 and offered a glimmer of hope, but Asif quickly extinguished the comeback by comfortably taking the ninth frame to seal his victory.
After the match, a presentation ceremony was presided over by NBP Chief Executive Officer Rehmat Ali Hasnie and Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) President Abdul Qadir Memon. Asif received the winner’s trophy and a cash prize of Rs350,000.
Irfan received Rs 200,000 as runner-up and another Rs 20,000 for his tournament-high break of 141.
The victory completes a dominant week for Asif, who dethroned defending champion Shahid Aftab in the round of 16 and has lost just seven frames in his last three knockout matches.
Published in Dawn, January 22, 2026
