Thais Dechawat Poomjaeng, Noppon Saengkham and Kritsanut Lerstsattayathorn advanced to the last-16 round at the SangSom 6-Red World Championship yesterday.
However, the day wasn’t without its share of disappointment for Thailand as Ratchapol Pu-Ob-Orm, Thepchaiya Un-nooh and Boonyarit Kaettikun were eliminated in the last-32 round.
Noppon Saengkham
As yesterday’s first session got underway at the Montien Riverside Hotel, all eyes were on Thai snooker hero Ratchapol, better known on the international stage as James Wattana, to deliver the goods.
The world No.11 never seemed to be on the cards and despite a gutsy fight, Ratchapol had to bow out following a 6-4 defeat against Stuart Bingham.
Young Noppon, one of the Thais on the world professional circuit, was the first local player to move into the last-16 stage following an impressive 6-3 victory over No.19 Matthew Stevens of Wales.
Kritsanut also advanced after pulling off a 6-4 upset triumph against No.22 Ryan Day of Wales, while Dechawat edged No.24 Liang Wenbo of China 6-5.
Thepchaiya, who had been impressive throughout the tournament, was edged by Iranian qualifier Ehsan Hyderi Nezhad 6-5 after a marathon battle.
Teenager Boonyarit’s hopes of making it a dream debut were dashed by English professional Joe Perry who recorded a convincing 6-2 triumph.
In the clash of English giants, Ricky Walden, a former winner at the tournament, registered a massive a 6-2 victory over No.5 Barry Hawkins, who was the highest ranked player in the championship.
The other two Thai players in the event, Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon and Ratchayothin Yotharuck, crashed out in the group stage which ended on Wednesday.
The quarter-finals are scheduled for 11 am today and will be followed by the semi-finals at 5pm and 8pm.