CHENGDU – Pakistan’s cue master Mohammad Asif continued his dominant form at the World Games, cruising past Britain’s Zac Cosker 2-0 on Tuesday to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Competing at the Civil Aviation Flight University’s Tianfu Campus Gymnasium, the four-time IBSF world champion looked in complete control. Fresh off his title win in Bahrain last month, Asif opened with a sharp 51 break in the first frame, combining ruthless potting with calculated safety play to take it 79-15. He was even more ruthless in the second, sealing an 81-39 win to wrap up the match without allowing Cosker any real chance.
“This wasn’t just a win—it was about sending a message,” Asif told APP. “At this level, everyone is world-class. My aim is to stand on the podium and give my nation a gift on Independence Day.”
The victory means Asif has yet to drop a frame in Chengdu, following earlier straight-frame wins over China’s Liang Xiaolong and Germany’s Alexander Widau.
Illness Halts Noor Zaman’s Squash Final Push
In squash, Pakistan’s Noor Zaman had to settle for a runner-up finish in the plate event after illness forced him to retire mid-final against South Africa’s Dewald van Niekerk.
Despite running a fever, Noor pushed hard in the opening games, narrowly losing 10-12 and 8-12. With his health worsening, he made the call to withdraw.
“Noor showed a champion’s mentality,” said coach Fahim Gul. “Playing those tight games while sick took incredible courage. Health is the priority, and we’re proud of his silver.”
The coach noted that a late arrival in Chengdu limited the team’s time to adapt to conditions, affecting overall preparation.
Beach Handball Finals: Germany and Argentina Strike Gold
The beach handball titles were decided in dramatic fashion, with both finals going to penalty shootouts.
Germany claimed the men’s gold after edging Portugal 8-6 in the decider. Portugal had taken the first period 21-18, but Germany fought back to win the second 19-18, forcing the shootout.
In the women’s event, Argentina staged a comeback against Germany, winning 7-2 on penalties. After dropping the first period 20-14, the Argentines dominated the second 22-12 before finishing the job in the shootout.
China Celebrates First Para Ju-Jitsu Title
Hosts China closed the ju-jitsu competition with a historic moment, securing their first-ever para ju-jitsu gold. Li Yucai and Guo Ao edged Germany’s Alessandro Schober and Christine Jahn 167-162 in the mixed duo para physical final.
Elsewhere, Hungary’s Tamara Toros shocked the women’s 63kg division by ousting defending champion Sung Ki-ra in the semis and then defeating Israel’s Meshi Rosenfeld by submission to win the women’s open gold.
Germany also struck gold in the mixed duo para visual, with Nike Hunecke and Julia Paszkiewicz narrowly beating China’s Wang Wenqiang and Pan Tianyou 149-143.
