Dominant Performance Sends Pakistani Cueist Into Final Four
Pakistan’s experienced cueist Asjad Iqbal produced a flawless display to defeat India’s Pankaj Advani 4-0 in the World Cup of Snooker quarter-final held at the Active Oman Sports and Entertainment Hub in Muscat on Tuesday. In one of his finest performances on the international stage, Asjad fired big breaks of 81 and 68, showcasing precision, composure, and complete control throughout the match.
He opened the contest in spectacular fashion, compiling a brilliant break of 81 to claim the first frame 100-0. Advani, a decorated cueist with multiple world titles, attempted to mount resistance in the second frame and managed 37 points. However, Asjad maintained his commanding form, adding 92 points to comfortably move 2-0 ahead. The Pakistani star continued his momentum in the third frame with another powerful break of 68, winning 117-16 and placing himself just one frame away from victory.
Sportsmanship Shines Amid Recent Indo-Pak Tensions
In the final frame, Asjad denied Advani any opening and sealed the match 83-21, completing a stunning 4-0 whitewash to secure his place in the semifinals. He will now face France’s Nicolas Mortreux, who defeated Hong Kong China’s Nansen Wan 4-1 to advance.
For those following his campaign, this wasn’t Asjad’s first win over an Indian rival at the event. He previously defeated Hussain Khan 3-0 in the round of 32, adding further weight to his impressive run in the tournament.
Despite recent political tensions that have spilled into sporting arenas, both players displayed notable sportsmanship after the match. Advani and Asjad exchanged handshakes and even shared a brief hug — a gesture that stands out given the strained history between India and Pakistan in recent international competitions.
The ongoing controversy began during the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, where Indian players avoided post-toss and post-match handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts. The issue later extended to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, with captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana also skipping the customary handshake. The tension resurfaced again during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 when India ‘A’ captain Jitesh Sharma and Pakistan Shaheens captain Irfan Niazi similarly avoided the traditional gesture.
Asjad’s commanding win — coupled with the display of mutual respect — offered a refreshing contrast to the recent controversies and highlighted the spirit of sports that often transcends political barriers.
