London - Arab Today
As if trying to come from 6-3 down in a World Championship qualifying match was not difficult enough, Thailand's Thepchaiya Un-Nooh resumes Wednesday knowing he has missed out on a coveted 147 for the second time this season.
Once more it was the final black that proved the 30-year-old's undoing, just as it had done when he had cleared 15 reds and 15 blacks and all the colours up to and including the pink against Australia's Neil Robertson at the UK Championship in December.
This time around it was the fourth frame in the final qualifying round for the World Championships in Sheffield, northern England, on Tuesday where Un-Nooh was one shot away from snooker perfection.
All the colours were on their spots, but he left himself in less than prime position after finishing low on the very final black in his match against Scotland's Anthony McGill.
He did not take much time over the shot and then promptly saw his pot attempt rattle the jaws of the pocket and bounce out, prompting Un-Noooh to throw his cue on the table in frustration.
Fellow professional Matthew Selt, having read the news on the Pro Snooker Blog Twitter feed, responded: "SHUT UP!!!! please tell me you're joking", followed by several crying emoji symbols.
To his credit, Un-Nooh recovered his composure sufficiently to record a break of 144 -- the highest of the qualifying tournament so far -- in the eighth frame.
But by twice missing out on 147s this season, Un-Nooh has cost himself £45,000 ($64,000) in bonus money.
Now he will try to put that disappointment behind him by coming from behind to win his best of 19-frame match against McGill.
Source: AFP