A THAI snooker player who lives and trains in the North-East suffered heartbreak this week after he narrowly missed out on causing a sensational upset in the World Championships.
Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, who now lives and trains in Darlington, made his second appearance at the World Snooker Championships at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield this week, narrowly losing out to bookmakers' favourite Judd Trump in a final-frame decider in the opening round.
The 34-year-old, who is originally from just outside Bangkok, in Thailand, led the former world number one by six frames to three, and had a horrible miscue in the deciding frame which opened the door for Trump, who is the tournament favourite following Ronnie O'Sullivan's shock departure, to secure victory.
Thepchaiya, who became the fifth Thai player to compete in snooker’s biggest event when he made his debut last year, plays at Q House Snooker Academy, at Enterprise House on Valley Street North in Darlington.
Now ranked 42, he is quickly developing a reputation as one of the fastest players on the tour, with a nickname as the Thai Rocket.
Speaking after his defeat, he said: "I am very disappointed about the start of the session (after resuming 6-3 ahead), I felt a lot of pressure during the first four frames.
"After the interval, I felt more relaxed but he just played really really well.
"In the last frame, I had a great opportunity to win it, I opened the pack but wasn't on a colour and he made a big break and played incredible and I had no chance.
"Judd is a top player, he can come back anytime, I kept thinking don't give him any easy chance.
"Last year it was my first time and I had a lot of pressure, but this year I was able to use my experience from last year. I played brilliantly in the first session - I hope I can come back again."
Chusak Phetmalaikul, director of Q House Snooker Academy, said: "It just wasn’t meant to be for Thepchaiya.
"He pushed Judd Trump all the way and was just unlucky at the end. We are so proud of him and we are sure that he will be back stronger next season.
"Thank you to everyone for the kind words of support from everyone which has meant so much to Thepchaiya."
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