Here are WST reports on the first two days at the Q-School in Babngkok
Thor Strikes On Day One
Malaysia’s Thor Chuan Leong came through with a 4-2 win over Thailand’s Pantakan Kamwiang on day one of Asia-Oceania Q School in Bangkok.
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Thor was on the World Snooker Tour for six seasons after joining the circuit in 2014. However, he lost his professional status at the conclusion of the 19/20 campaign. He’s been to the last 32 of ranking events on four occasions, including the 2018 European Masters.
The 34-year-old top scored with a break of 71 in today’s win and now play’s India’s Himanshu Jain up next.
Pakistan’s Muhammad N. Akhtar made the first century break of the tournament, a run of exactly 100. However, he was still beaten 4-3 by former professional Kritsanut Lertsattaythorn.
Iran’s Siyavosh Mozayani whitewashed compatriot Mohammadreza Rafieyan 4-0. He now faces either Muhammad Asif or Zhong Wei Tan in the last 32.
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Asia-Oceania Q School – Day Two Roundup
Thailand’s former professional Dechawat Poomjaeng secured a thrilling 4-3 win over Jeffrey Roda from the Philippines on day two of Asia-Oceania Q School in Bangkok.
Fan favourite Poomjaeng delighted the Crucible crowd with a run to the last 16 of the 2013 World Championship. However, he hasn’t been a professional since the 16/17 season. He faces fellow former professional Thor Chuan Leong up next in the last 16.
Pornpiya Kaosumran knocked in the highest break of the tournament so far, a run of 128, during his narrow 4-3 win over fellow Thai Wiphu Phuthisabodi. Kaosumran is up against Narongdat Takantong in the next round.
Kritsanut Lertsattayathorn came through a 4-3 victor against Iran’s Amir Sarkhosh. Next up he faces Poramin Danjirakjul.
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I have to confess that I struggle to follow this competion despite Thailand’s snooker federation best efforts. They provide decent streaming, and their live scores are kept up-to-date but many matches are terribly slow going, low scoring. I’m expecting former pros to get through this and then, they will probably struggle badly on tour. They can’t have been playing much over the last couple of years.
Don’t get me wrong, regional Q-School are needed, but this one may have benefitted from being announced earlier. Also, the current circumstances – a resurgence of covid in Asia, and China reinstanciating strict travel restrictions – aren’t helping.
Also, that there was only one Chinese player in the draw and that he couldn’t make it is telling a story, although I’m not entirely which one at this stage…
Anyway… I hope that Dechawat Poomjaeng v Thor Chuan Leong will be streamed. I could be good, it could be amusing. It’s scheduled for the evening in Bangkog, afternoon in Europe.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 