Watttana Back on Tour
James Wattana’s has regained his place on the main professional snooker circuit for next season.
His victory in the 2009 Asian Championships in Tangshan, China gave Thailand’s former world number three one of the automatic promotion places.
Wattana, who is fast approaching his 40th birthday put his experience to good use as he dashed the hopes of home favourite, Mei Xiwen 7-3 in the final.
Wattana reached the last four at The Crucible in 1993 and 1997, had previously won the Asian title back in 1986 at the tender age of 16 years old.
In the semi-final he overcame Hong Kong's Au Chi Wai, winning the final two frames after his opponent fought back from 4-1 down to level at 4-4.
Many believe that the Thai hero started the snooker revolution in Asia and is now set to lead it again when he returns to the UK in the summer for the qualifying rounds of next season’s events.
