The Global Snooker Centre

Fu reached the final courtesy of a 5-3 win over Jimmy White, while Doherty was pushed all the way by seventeen year old Ding Junhui, who makes his main tour debut in the LG Cup qualifiers.

WILLIAMS WINS HENDRY THAI

Mark Williams got the Thailand stage of the Euro-Asia Snooker Masters Challenge underway with a 2-0 win over his friend and rival Stephen Hendry, at the Merchant Court Hotel in Bangkok.

Williams provided the highlight of the day with a 112 break against Hendry in the second frame, having got off to a lucky start, fluking the yellow in the opener.

Having put in a less than convincing performance in Hong Kong the world champion will be looking to put matters straight in Thailand, one of his favourite snooker countries, where he won back to back Thailand Masters titles in 1999 and 2000, as well as winning the last Thailand ranking event in 2002.

When Hendry lost his second match of the day 2-1 to Marco Fu, he was doomed to the role of tourist.

China's Ding Junhui stunned Marco Fu with a 2-0 win. Ding trailed by 52 points in the first frame, but produced a 67 clearance and he did the same in the next. Trailing 61-0 he cleared up with 75. Ding followed this up with a 2-0 win over Mark Williams and stands well placed to reach the semi finals, if he can beat Marco Fu.

Ken Doherty, beaten finalist in Hong Kong opened his Thailand campaign with a 2-1 win over Jimmy White

James Wattana, who won the Hong Kong event returned to his home country to accolade and expectation from his army of Thailand fans. But the 33 year old warned the fans not to expect any fireworks; however he still recorded an opening 2-0 win over Shokat Al to keep the fans happy.

He has spent the summer working with Thailand's leading coach, former professional Tai Pichit and Wattana explained that he won't be taking on the risky 50-50 shots and will play more safety. He praised Pichit for helping to steer him back on course. "Playing attacking snooker is something the fans want to see, but it is risky and can give your opponent chances if you miss a shot."

The Thailand fans are relishing the chance to see top class snooker once more. The Thailand Masters was dropped from the world snooker event calendar in the 2002-3 season and both fans and players have missed the event, but thanks to the work of Thailand's leading official Sindhu Pulsirivong in conjunction with 110sport, top flight snooker is back in Bangkok.

ROBIDOUX WINS CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Alain Robidoux celebrated receiving a WSA concession to keep his main tour place, by winning the 2003 Canadian Championship. Now an open tournament, Robidoux previously won the event, as an amateur in 1983 and 1986.

A 6-2 win over former World Champion Cliff Thorburn gave Robidoux victory. The French-Canadian had an untroubled path to the final beating Odie Willett 5-0 in the last 16, Jeff Kennedy 5-1 in the quarters, before ending the run of Floyd Ziegler with a 6-1 semi final victory.

Thorburn, on the other hand, came through a drama packed top half of the draw. He scraped through his last 16 match 5-4 against Tom Finstad, who took some consolation from running in a break of 128, the highest of the event.

A routine 5-1 winner over Daryl Wouters saw Thorburn into the semi finals, where he might have expected to face defending champion Kirk Stevens.

But instead he played 9-ball pool star Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, who sensationally edged out Stevens 5-4 in the quarter finals. But the experienced of Thorburn was too great for the youthful enthusiasm of Pagulayan and the veteran ran out a 6-1 winner. The Junior snooker championship was won by Jason Klatt, who retained his title with a 4-2 win over Erik Hjorliefson.

RESULTS

Mens' Championship

Alain Robidoux (C$4100) 6-2 Cliff Thorburn (C$2100)

Semis: (C$1000) Thorburn 6-1 Pagulayan, Robidoux 6-1 Zieglar

High Break - 128 Tom Finstad

Womens' Championship

Anita Kuczma 4-2 Sheri Richardson

Junior Championship

Jason Klatt 4-2 Erik Hjorliefson

Senior Championship

Fred Burke 4-3 Ray Thibault

9-Ball

Alex Pagulayan 15-12 Chris Orme

Womens' 9-Ball

Catherine Garon 11-2 Angela Balding

Junior 9-Ball

Jason Thomas 11-9 Jason Klatt

WATTANA WINS THE EURO-ASIA MASTERS CHALLENGE

James Wattana defeated Ken Doherty 6-4 in the final of the first Euro-Asia Challenge in Hong Kong and in the process collected his first tournament title since winning the Thailand Masters in 1995.

Doherty got the better of the early stage of the match. Breaks of 65, 61 and 62 helped him to a 4-3 lead, before Wattana found his range, running in breaks of 61, 75 and 38 in his run to the winning line.

The Thai star has suffered from a loss of form in recent seasons and has slipped down to 34 in the world rankings, from a high of No. 3 in 1994-5.

But this early season show of form has filled the Thailand player with confidence. "I hope that today is a new start and a good warm-up for the season ahead."

Wattana collected the £30,000 winners prize and will be in confident mood as the players move on for the second event in Thailand.

WATTANA TURNS BACK THE CLOCK

James Wattana rattled in the tournament best of 131, to beat Stephen Hendry 5-1 and book his place in the final of the Euro-Asia Masters Challenge in Hong Kong.

Sunday's final appearance will be Wattana's first since he won back to back Thailand Masters in 1994 and 1995.

The Thai star forged a 3-1 lead, with his run of 131 coming in the second frame, and he surged to the winning line, adding a another fifty plus in the fifth frame.

Hendry was disappointed saying "No excuses, James played far better, but I was a bit disappointed with my own performance."

Wattana, on the other hand was excited with his resurgence in form, hoping it will provide the springboard to a successful main tour season, as he seeks to regain first a place in the top flight. "I was to get back in the top 16 and even into the top 10," said a determined Wattana.

Ken Doherty reached the final with a 5-1 win over Mark Williams, gaining some small measure of revenge for defeats in the UK and World finals by the Welshman. Doherty, who compiled breaks of 46, 50, 41 and 72 during the match, was quick to praise the crowd. "The atmosphere here is good and the crowd is just brilliant.

"I'm sure it will be a tough game tomorrow, but I'm looking forward to it. I'm getting better and better and it was a good win for me today."

WATTANA STARS FOR THE HOME TEAM IN EURO-ASIA CHALLENGE

James Wattana won all three of his matches in Group A to top the group and book his place in the semi finals.

Having beaten China's Ding Junhui on the first day, he added a 2-1 win over World Champion Mark Williams and doomed Jimmy White to the role of spectator, by the same margin.

Thailand's favourite now faces Stephen Hendry in the semi finals. Hendry finished runner up in Group B after a tense 2-0 win over Shokat Ali and a more comfortable 2-0 win over home town favourite Marco Fu. Dublin's Ken Doherty comfortably topped Group B, adding a 2-0 defeat of Marco Fu to his two opening day wins.

Mark Williams scraped through from Group A, to set up a mini repeat of last season's UK and World Championship finals, against Doherty. China's Ding Junhui failed to qualify, but he notched a notable scalp with a 2-0 defeat of Mark Williams, in their group match.

RESULTS

James Wattana 2-1 Jimmy White, James Wattana 2-1 Mark Williams

Ding Junhui 2-0 Mark Williams, Stephen Hendry 2-0 Marco Fu

Stephen Hendry 2-0 Shokat Ali, Ken Doherty 2-0 Marco Fu

SEMI FINALS

Stephen Hendry v James Wattana

Ken Doherty v Mark Williams

ALARM BELLS RING FOR DING IN EURO-ASIA CHALLENGE

China's teenage star got a baptism of fire in the Euro-Asia Challenge in Hong Kong. Pitched against some of the world's leading players, the 2001 World Under 21 champion found the going rather tough and fell to 2-0 defeats by Jimmy White and James Wattana.

White rattled up a break of 74 against Ding in their Group A match, but in turn had to sit out a run of 92 from World Champion Mark Williams, who beat White 2-0 to get his campaign off to a good start.

Ken Doherty was the main in form in Group B, collecting 2-0 wins over Shokat Ali and Stephen Hendry and bagging a century break along the way. Shokat Ali threw the group wide open with a surprise 2-0 defeat of Marco Fu, compiling a best run of 64.

All the matches were play out in front of packed crowds In Wanchai, as the snooker starved fans of Hong Kong snapped up every available ticket.

Introduced to rapturous applause Mark Williams certainly enjoyed the ambiance commenting "The atmosphere is just excellent. This shows just how enthusiastic the Hong Kong people are towards snooker."

RESULTS

Jimmy White 2-0 Ding Junhui, Ken Doherty 2-0 Shokat Ali

James Wattana 2-0 Ding Junhui, Mark Williams 2-0 Jimmy White

Marco Fu 0-2 Shokat Ali, Stephen Hendry 0-2 Ken Doherty

EURO-ASIA SNOOKER MASTERS CHALLENGE - HONG KONG

World Champion and World No. 1 Mark Williams leads a star-studded cast of players in the unique Euro-Asia Masters, which starts the first leg of a two event series in Hong Kong on 21 August.

The European team comprises Mark Williams, Stephen Hendry, Ken Doherty and Jimmy White, while their Asian challengers are Marco Fu, James Wattana, Shokat Ali and Ding Junhui.

The rare visit of some of snooker's leading stars to Hong Kong has ensured a sell out for the event.

The format see the players split into two groups to compete on a round robin basis, progressing to semi finals and then the final.

The second leg in Thailand, which starts on 25th August, follows the same format.

GROUPS

A: Mark Williams, Jimmy White, James Wattana, Ding Junhui.

B: Stephen Hendry, Ken Doherty, Marco Fu, Shokat Ali.

WORLD CHAMPION BAGS HIS FIRST WIN OF THE NEW SEASON

The third annual Tredegar Constitutional Club Pro-Am Snooker Championship reached an exciting conclusion in Newport, South Wales.

The high quality field of 24 Welsh invited players was boosted by the entry of World Champion and World number One Mark Williams. Almost inevitably it was Williams who took home the £1000.00 first prize – but only just!

Other top ranked players included defending Champion Darren Morgan and Dominic Dale along with WSA tour players Ryan Day, Paul Davies, Lee Walker, Ian Sargeant, James Reynolds, David John and David Donovan.

The event was played over seven consecutive Thursday evenings and the eventual winner picked up a cheque for £1000.00 with the runner-up pocketing £400.00. Losing semi finalists received £125.00.

The major shock of the first round was the exit of former World Amateur Champion and newly promoted Main Tour Player Ian Preece. Jeff Haines, Pontypool based veteran and former practice partner of Doug Mountjoy, was his 3-2 conqueror despite Preece leading 2-0.

A surprise 3-1 win also in Round One for Professional Referee Paul Collier over three times Newport Town Champion Grant Casey. Collier failed to sustain his form however and lost 4-0 in just 50 minutes to former Benson and Hedges Champion Ryan Day in the last 16.

Darren Morgan confirmed his decision not to retire from competitive play by brushing aside Jeff Haines in Round two and was joined by World Champion Williams who defeated former Pro. Neil Tomkins 4-2. Paul Davies led 3-1 in his encounter with local amateur Darren Thompson before being edged out in the deciding frame of an excellent quality encounter.

Dominic Dale defeated Bridgend Cue Maker Trevor White in round two also. White was the man who repaired Mark Williams Cue after it was damaged in transit to the Irish Masters this year. Dale trailed 2-0 but later found his action and breaks of 74 and 101 saw him through. Newbridge star Lee Walker also progressed at the expense of Veteran Wayne Jones, Walker sealing victory with a break of 103.

The highlight of round two was probably the nail biting encounter between James Reynolds and European Amateur Champion David John. Reynolds made a 74 clearance to level at 3-3 and then found himself 67-0 behind in the decider before clinching victory before a packed crowd.

The Quarter Finals saw some more high quality battles and big breaks. Darren Morgan defeating Darren Thompson 4-2 despite Thompson receiving 14 points start as the only amateur player to progress this far. James Reynolds made breaks of 67 and 70 in seeing off former Grand Prix Champion Dale.

The bottom half of the draw saw Williams pegged back from 3-0 to 3-3 with both players making century breaks before edging out Walker and Ryan Day beat Williams’ practice partner and confidante Ian Sargeant 4-1.

The first Semi Final saw Darren Morgan against Former Challenge Tour winner James Reynolds. Reynolds had never previously won a single frame in competition against his vastly experienced opponent, and he still hasn’t! Morgan wrapping up a 4-0 victory in under an hour aided by breaks of 76, 88 and finishing with a 116 clearance.

Semi final two was also a one-sided affair with World number One Williams brushing aside the challenge of 2001 Champion Ryan Day.

So the scene was set for an epic Final. A best of 13 frame encounter against Defending Champion Morgan, who has featured in all three finals of the event so far staged, and the most in-form player in the world, Williams. Paul Collier was again involved, but this time in his more familiar role with the white gloves.

The final was a little scrappy early on with both players struggling in the heat; it was almost 90 degrees Fahrenheit at the table. Williams eventually took an early advantage at 3-1 with the aid of some good play and a little run of the balls, before Morgan pegged it back to 3-3. Williams took the next two, in both of which Morgan had chances, but missed crucial balls. World Champion Williams made a break of 101, the highest break of the match, in the next to go three up with four to play.

In typical Morgan fashion, heels were then dug in, and he played some of his best snooker for some time and runs of 57, 61 and 81 forced the decider. Williams had the edge right from the break-off in the thirteenth frame though, and came through it a deserved winner.

Williams commented after the match that he had enjoyed the event and that although July and August aren’t the most traditional months to play competitive snooker it was good practice for the forthcoming season. Morgan echoed Williams’ comments and although disappointed at losing out and failing to defend his title he felt his performance gave him something positive to take into the new season.

Ian Preece	2	Darren Morgan	4
Jeff Haines	3	Jeff Haines	2	Darren Morgan	4
Alan Williams	2	Paul Davies	3	Darren Thompson	2
Darren Thompson	3	Darren Thompson	4			Darren Morgan	4
Alun Squire	1	Dominic Dale	4			James Reynolds	0
Trevor White	3	Trevor White	2	Dominic Dale	1
James Reynolds	3	David John	3	James Reynolds	4
Lawrence Gilbert	1	James Reynolds	4					Darren Morgan	6
Neil Tomkins	3	Mark Williams	4					Mark Williams	7
Michael Hodge	2	Neil Tomkins	2	Mark Williams	4
Wayne Jones	3	Lee Walker	4	Lee Walker	3
Steve Price	2	Wayne Jones	2			Mark Williams	4
Ian Sargeant	3	David Donovan	1			Ryan Day	0
John Payne	1	Ian Sargeant	4	Ian Sargeant	2
Paul Collier	3