Pakistan’s Shahid Aftab delivered an outstanding performance by defeating India’s Paras Gupta 4–2 in the IBSF World Snooker Championship held in Doha, Qatar. The thrilling encounter showcased Shahid’s precision, composure, and tactical brilliance as he booked his place in Stage 2 (pre-quarterfinals) of the global tournament.
The match kept fans on edge, with both players displaying impressive cue control and mental strength. Despite losing the opening frame, Shahid made a strong comeback to seal victory with consistent breaks and smart safety play.
| Frame No. | Paras Gupta (India) | Shahid Aftab (Pakistan) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 | 73 | Shahid |
| 2 | 94 | 27 | Gupta |
| 3 | 36 | 77 | shahid |
| 4 | 76 | 58 | Gupta |
| 5 | 6 | 122 | Shahid |
| 6 | 49 | 60 | Shahid |
(Final Score: Shahid Aftab 4 – 2 Paras Gupta)
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s former world number two, Muhammad Sajjad, also advanced to the next round despite a narrow defeat against Hong Kong’s Fung Kwok Wai, thanks to his overall group-stage performance.
The victories by Pakistani cueists have boosted national pride, highlighting the country’s growing strength in international snooker. As Shahid heads into Stage 2, fans remain optimistic about his chances of bringing home another major title for Pakistan.
