BANGKOK: Thor Chuan Leong (pic) earned a big boost in his bid to reclaim the SEA Games 6-red singles crown when he beat Thai snooker legend James Wattana 5-2 in their opening round clash in Nonthaburi.
Despite being handed the toughest possible opener, the Malaysian veteran prevailed 49-0, 33-40, 33-18, 13-36, 43-14, 40-0, 45-0.
Chuan Leong, who became Malaysia’s first Asian 6-Red champion earlier this year, rose to the occasion by shutting out the three-time world ranking event winner in the last two frames.
The 37-year-old, who is aiming to recapture the title he last won in Myanmar in 2013, however cautioned against getting carried away despite clearing what was considered his biggest hurdle.
“I am just trying to focus on my own game. It is unpredictable and anything can happen in the 6-red format.
“Beating Wattana does not suddenly make the path clearer. The field is still strong and we must not underestimate anyone. I just need to stay composed and calm,” he said.
The victory sends him into the quarter-finals today where he will face Singapore’s Kwang Chan Keng, who defeated Basil Alshajjar of the Philippines 5-3 in another last 16 tie.
Malaysian defending champion Moh Keen Hoo, who received a bye earlier, will face Thailand’s Poramin Danjirakul.
Debutants Bronica Song and Tan Kim Mei were eliminated by Thailand’s Nutcharat Wongharuthai and Ploychompoo Laokiat Phong following a 0-3 defeat in the women’s team snooker round of 16 match.
