Tuesday 25 / November / 2025
MUSCAT: Pakistan produced a stirring comeback to lift the Oman Snooker World Cup 2025 title, edging Hong Kong China-2 with a 3–2 scoreline in a dramatic final at Active Oman on Sunday.
The night also cemented Muscat’s future as a global snooker hub following the signing of a landmark agreement between the International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) and the Oman Billiards & Snooker Committee (OBSC) to host the 2026 and 2028 editions.
The Pakistani duo of Muhammad Asif and Asjad Iqbal overcame multiple momentum swings before sealing the title with back-to-back century breaks in the decisive phase.
Hong Kong’s Chau Hon Man and Nansen Wan had looked poised for victory after moving 2–1 ahead, but Pakistan’s experience and composure under pressure ultimately proved decisive.
Hong Kong struck first, with Chau overpowering Iqbal 94–0 on the back of an 85 break to take a 1–0 lead. Asif restored parity with a fluent 82 to level at 1–1, but Hong Kong regained control by taking the doubles frame 84–41, pushing Pakistan to the brink.
Showing their championship pedigree, Pakistan launched a remarkable turnaround. Asif delivered a superb 100 break to force the decider, before Iqbal produced a majestic 104 clearance — the final’s highest — to complete a memorable 3–2 victory and secure gold for Pakistan.
The win also adds to Asif’s glittering résumé, marking his seventh world title across team, singles, and Masters events.
The awards ceremony, held under the patronage of Basil bin Ahmed Al Rawas, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth, also saw India and Hong Kong China-1, receive bronze medals.
Hong Kong’s Lim Kok Leong claimed the tournament’s highest break with a superb 139.
Also in attendance were Abdulwahab Al Murshidi, CEO of Sohar International Bank; Mubarak Al Khayarin, President of the IBSF; and Khalid Al Subhi, Chairman of the Oman Billiards and Snooker Committee, alongside representatives of all participating teams.
The event featured 23 national teams, competing from 15 to 23 November at the Oman Automobile Association.
In his address, OBSC’s Al Subhi praised the “technical and organisational success” of the Muscat edition, highlighting the professional environment at Active Oman and the strong cooperation between government bodies, private sector partners, sponsors, media, and volunteers. He said the tournament further strengthened Muscat’s reputation as a world-class snooker destination.
Undersecretary Basil Al Rawas commended the championship’s impact, noting that the Snooker World Cup showcased the sport’s global reach and reinforced Oman’s rising status as a leading host nation.
IBSF President Mubarak Al Khayarin hailed the 2025 edition as “outstanding by all standards,” pointing to more than 30 century breaks as evidence of the tournament’s exceptional quality. He announced the new agreement that will see Muscat host the next two World Cup editions, citing the “remarkable success” achieved this year as the foundation for an extended partnership.
