James Wattana overcame Atthasit Mahitthi 4-3 last night in the first round of the SangSom Hua Hin Cup 2009 after flying straight in from China after his Asian Championship victory. The Thai favourite drew a huge crowd to welcome him back and watch him face Mahitthi in a superb match in which a 58 break in the deciding frame was enough to see Wattana through. His good form then continued the this morning as he saw off Nitiwat Kanjanasri 4-0 to set up the quarter final match with Wells.
In other matches Noppadon Noppachorn, the current Thia No.1 reached the semi finals with a 4-1 win over Noppadol Sangnil and will now face the winner of Wells and Wattana. Noppadon currently holds the high break for the tournament also with a superb 143 made yesterday.
Defending champion Liu Song of China, (Pictured) , No. 53 in the world professional rankings, also displayed consistency and an all-round game to whitewash Thai veteran Praprut Chanithanaskun 4-0 and will now face experienced Thai player Phaithoon Phonbun in the other semi final tomorrow.
