Muhammad Asif Clinches Semi-Final Spot with Gritty Win Over Lim Kok Leong
KARACHI – June 24, 2025:
Pakistan’s seasoned cueist Muhammad Asif delivered another stellar performance to reach the semi-finals of the 2025 Asian 6-Red Snooker Championship, defeating Malaysia’s Lim Kok Leong 5-3 in a tense quarter-final clash.
The two-time IBSF World Champion remained composed under pressure, showcasing both skill and strategy to book his spot in the final four.
Match Summary: Asif vs Lim Kok Leong – Quarter-Final Thriller
The match started with a bang as Asif opened with a 67-point break, comfortably winning the first frame. He maintained the pressure in the second with a 43-21 win to go 2-0 up.
Despite a spirited comeback by Leong in the middle frames, reducing the lead to 3-2, Asif regrouped and took control again to clinch the match 5-3.
🏆 Frame-by-Frame Scoreline:
Frame Winner Score
1 Muhammad Asif 67-0
2 Muhammad Asif 43-21
3 Muhammad Asif Tight Frame
4 Lim Kok Leong —
5 Lim Kok Leong —
6 Muhammad Asif 38-25
7 Lim Kok Leong 68-0
8 Muhammad Asif 41-21
Leong’s Fightback Falls Short
Trailing 3-0, Lim Kok Leong responded with back-to-back frames, injecting suspense into the contest. He even shut out Asif in the seventh frame with a clean 68-0.
But Asif proved too strong in the deciding eighth frame, sealing it 41-21 and securing his place in the semi-finals
Next Opponent: Thor Chuan Leong (Malaysia)
In the semi-final scheduled for Wednesday, Asif will take on another Malaysian opponent, Thor Chuan Leong, a seasoned player known for his precision and break-building abilities.
Muhammad Asif’s Road to the Semi-Final
Asif’s journey in the 2025 Asian 6-Red Snooker Championship has been nothing short of dominant:
🔹 Group Stage vs Neang Tola (Cambodia)
Won 4-1
Frame Scores: 37-17, 47-0, 9-59, 44-0, 39-9
🔹 Knockout Stage vs Abdullah Al Raisi (Oman)
Won 4-0 – A flawless whitewash performance.
🔹 Pre-Quarterfinals vs Neang Tola (Again)
Won 5-1 – Reaffirmed his supremacy with a crushing win.
🔹 Quarterfinals vs Lim Kok Leong
Won 5-3 – A gritty win despite mid-match pressure.
Why This Matters for Pakistan Snooker
Muhammad Asif has long been one of Pakistan’s most accomplished cueists. His consistent performance at the Asian 6-Red Championship not only keeps Pakistan’s flag flying high on the international snooker stage but also inspires the next generation of snooker talent back home.
What’s at Stake in the Semi-Finals?
With only four players left in the tournament, a win over Thor Chuan Leong will send Asif into the grand final, placing him within reach of another major international title.
A victory could also significantly boost his global ranking and elevate Pakistan’s visibility in the Asian snooker circuit.
Conclusion
Muhammad Asif’s 5-3 win over Lim Kok Leong showcased his elite composure, tactical acumen, and break-building prowess. With momentum on his side and the semi-finals just a day away, the veteran cueist is within striking distance of another historic title. Pakistan’s hopes now rest firmly on his shoulders as he prepares for yet another high-pressure clash.
FAQs
1. Who is Muhammad Asif playing in the semi-final?
Asif will face Malaysia’s Thor Chuan Leong in the semi-final.
2. What was the final score in the quarter-final?
Muhammad Asif defeated Lim Kok Leong 5-3.
3. Has Asif won any world titles before?
Yes, he is a two-time IBSF World Snooker Champion.
4. When is the semi-final match?
The semi-final will be played on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.