Bingham and Thepchaiya in UK-Thailand Phuket snooker final

PHUKET: Five days of world class snooker in Phuket culminates with the final championship match at the Sangsom Snooker Cup being held at the Royal Paradise Hotel, Patong at 1pm today.

Yesterday’s semi-finals saw two of the top 100 ranked players in action with an expected win and another upset thrilling snooker fans in the 200-seat auditorium.

Ratchapol Pu-Ob-Orm (James Wattana), ranked 67 in the world, was first to the table at 1pm on Friday and faced the challenge of Thepchaiya Uh-nooh.

A seasoned circuit player, Ratchapol was odds-on favorite to win the match. Thepchaiya raised his game to force a deciding frame and held his nerve sending his compatriot out of the competition with a score of 4 frames to 3.

The second semi-final at 4pm matched two ranked players, Stuart Bingham (17) and Issara Kachaiwong (87).

Expectation for a close game given Bingham’s struggle to reach the last four and Issara’s ease of progress, was realized.

Another deciding frame was needed to separate the two professionals with Bingham showing his experience once again to defeat Issara 4-3 in the best of seven match.

Although Bingham is favored to take home the trophy, his form has not been the most inspired.

Thepchaiya’s victory over Ratchapol and home support will certainly give the Thai player confidence in today’s final.

The final championship match will break at 1pm with Patong Deputy Mayor, Chairat Sukkaban due to host the Sangsom Phuket Snooker Cup closing ceremony.

Entrance is free for spectators and the Phuket Gazette, as sponsors of the event. will publish the final match report later this evening.

— Neil Quail