IBSF World Cup: Pakistan’s Asjad Iqbal knocks India’s Pankaj Advani out, makes it to semis

Seasoned Pakistani cueist Asjad Iqbal has continued his impressive run at the IBSF Snooker World Cup 2025, reaching the semi-finals after a series of dominant victories at the Active Oman Sports and Entertainment Hub.

According to reports, the 34-year-old former national champion defeated India’s Pankaj Advani 4-0 in the quarter-finals after opening with an 81 break to take the first frame 100-0, followed by a 92-37 win in the second.

He went on to score a 68 break in a 117-16 third-frame victory and sealed the match 83-21 in the fourth.

Asjad’s campaign began in the last 32 round, where he beat India’s Hussain Khan 3-0 (53(53)-44, 90-41, 93(84)-9). In the same round, Egypt’s Mina Awad defeated Pakistan’s Mohammad Hasnain 3-1, while Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif overcame Khalid Kamali of the UAE 3-2 (71(70)-77, 17-70(54), 77-74, 61(51)-45, 84-38).

In the pre-quarterfinals, Asjad beat Mina Awad 4-1 after losing the first frame 62-21. He bounced back with wins of 72(72)-11, 69(52)-29, 58-29, and finished with a 104(104)-0 clearance. Meanwhile, Mohammad Asif fell 4-2 to France’s Nicolas Mortreux (74-49, 46-57, 72(68)-28, 9-106(83), 73(73)-65(60), 85(55)-43).

Asjad will face Mortreux in the semi-finals, aiming to improve on his bronze medal finish from the previous edition and keep Pakistan’s hopes alive in the prestigious tournament.