Anda Zhang claims Asian Under 21 title
China's Anda Zhang beat Noppom Saegkham from Thailand, 5-1, to lift the 2009 Asian Under 21 title, in Pune, India.
Zhang was billed as the pre-tournament favourite and he didn't disappoint. He strolled through the groups stages, losing only three frames and compiling two centuries.
He was pushed all the way in his quarter final clash with Thailand's teenager Yuttapop Pakpoj, before prevailing 4-3 with a brilliant 114 break in the deciding frame.
Faced with another Thai player, Thanawat Thirapong, in the semi finals, he racked up a 5-1 win to book his place in the final.
And there he faced yet another up and coming Thailand youngster, Noppom Saegkham.
Zhang fired in 40 and 67 to take a 2-0 lead before Saegkham claimed what turned out to be his only frame success, with a run of 84.
The Chinese teenager took the fourth, added the fifth frame with a 51 break and closed out victory on the colours in the next.
Zhang will now gain a nomination to the 2009-10 WSA Main Tour, where he'll join a growing band of Chinese players.
Saegkham beat his team mate Poramin Danjirakul 4-2 in their quarter final, with a best run of 60.
He then ended the hopes of Indian success with a 5-0 demolition of Shahbaz Khan, including breaks of 49, 61 and 59 as he romped to victory.
But facing the experienced Anda Zhang in the final, was one match too many. However all four of Thailand's young players look to be very promising hopes for the future.
2009 Asian Under 21 Championship Index
Photo Courtesy of Cuesports India.
