In a dramatic display of resilience and composure, Shahid Aftab completed a remarkable comeback to secure the National Snooker Championship title at the NBP Sports Complex. The victory marks the end of a 14-year title drought for the Faisalabad cueist, who last won the national crown in 2011.
Facing off against Mohammad Sajjad in a tense 7-5 final, Shahid Aftab displayed his tactical mastery and ability to seize crucial moments. The frame-by-frame battle saw both players trading blows, but Shahid held his nerve, producing a match-winning break of 81 in the 11th frame before sealing the title in the final exchange.
The scoreboard read 69-9, 92(82)-28, 48-70(53), 73-19, 49-70, 74(52)-38, 79(79)-24, 62-66, 22-63(52), 25-69, 81(81)-36, 71-61, reflecting the tight contest and shifts in momentum.
Despite leading for most of the final, Shahid Aftab had to withstand a late surge from Sajjad, who capitalized on his opponent’s mistakes to level the match at 5-5. However, Shahid kept his cool in the penultimate frame, securing a crucial victory before sealing the title in a dramatic final frame.
While basking in his victory, Shahid didn’t shy away from addressing the lack of financial support for cueists in Pakistan.
“Players who perform well—whether internationally or domestically—deserve recognition and rewards, which unfortunately don’t come often enough,” he lamented.
With the National Championship now concluded, Pakistan’s top cueists will turn their attention to the Asian Snooker Championship later this month. Shahid Aftab’s resurgence, Sajjad’s spirited performance, and a thoroughly exhilarating tournament all suggest that Pakistan’s snooker contingent is heading into the continental event with renewed confidence and form.