KARACHI: Three-time world champion Mohammad Asif clinched the 50th NBP National Snooker Championship 2026 title after defeating Rana Irfan 6-3 in the final on Wednesday at the NBP Sports Complex, Clifton.
Asif started strongly and dominated the opening frame of the best-of-seven final. Rana Irfan fought back in the second frame with a superb century break of 112 to level the contest and put pressure on the experienced cueist.
Asif then took control of the match by winning four consecutive frames with scores of 98-21, 59-10, 78-37 and 74-55 to move into a commanding position. Rana Irfan showed resilience by winning a frame 141-0, registering the highest break of the championship, and followed it up with a 63-42 win to reduce the deficit to 5-3.
However, Asif’s experience proved decisive as he won the final frame 95-36 to secure the title. The winning frame scores (62-46, 4-116 (112), 92-21 (83), 59-10, 78-37, 74-55, 0-141 (141), 42-63, 95-36). Talking to The News, PBSA Secretary, Naveed Kapadia said, “Throughout the tournament, Mohammad Asif led in every match and looked very confident during the final, which helped him clinch the title once again.”
He added, “Rana Irfan displayed excellent skill and recorded the highest break of the tournament, but unfortunately lost momentum in front of a more experienced cueist. This was Rana’s first qualification for a national final.”
The chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony was President and CEO of the National Bank of Pakistan, Mr. Rehmat Ali Hasnie. Addressing the ceremony, he praised the players for their performances and reiterated NBP’s support for sports. PBSA President Abdul Qadir Memon also spoke on the occasion.
Abdul Qadir Memon said this was the third snooker event organised by PBSA since his election as president. He stated that the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association was working to promote snooker at the grassroots level and requested the National Bank of Pakistan to sponsor international snooker events in Pakistan to provide greater exposure to local players.
On the occasion, Abdul Qadir Memon presented a memento to Mr. Rehmat Ali Hasnie. Mr. Rehmat Ali Hasnie presented Rs 20,000 to Rana Irfan for the highest break (141), along with the runners-up prize of Rs 200,000 and a trophy. The winner, Mohammad Asif of NBP, received Rs 350,000 and a trophy.
