Snooker player Thor storms into last 16 in Germany

National snooker player Thor Chuan Leong in action at the Singapore SEA Games in June. - The STAR Filepic

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's top cueist Thor Chuan Leong has got off to a rousing start in Germany.

Chuan Leong stunned world No. 21 Liang Wenbo of China and world No. 36 Rod Lawler of England to book his spot in the last 16 at the Paul Hunter Classic which is part of the European Tour.

In his opening round, he overcame England’s Christopher Keogan 4-1 followed by a 4-0 whitewash of Wenbo, the 2009 Shanghai Masters runner-up.

He then ousted Lawler, a player with 25 years experience on the professional tour, 4-1 on Friday.

He will take on another Englishman, Ian Burns, in the fourth round on Sunday.

The quarter-finals and latter stages will also be held on the same day.

"I'm not celebrating just yet," said Chuan Leong.

"While I'm proud to have beaten several top players to come this far, it's important not to get carried away.

"I don’t want to be satisfied by just reaching the last 16. My aim is to go as far as possible in this tournament." 

Regardless of the outcome on Sunday, Chuan Leong is assured of earning at least £1,725 (RM11,000) – his biggest prize purse as a professional.

The winner will pocket £18,750 (RM121,000).