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Published on November 21, 2007

The things are even rosier in the Masters event where all the six Thai participants are confirmed for places in the second round.

However, among the ladies only Santhinee Jaisuekul has been able to make the cut. The Thai army, as it appears at the moment, is being spearheaded by veteran Atthasit Mahitthi, who should qualify as the top-ranked player from Group F.

Atthasit sports an enviable 10-0 win-loss record, but the way he has played in the tournament, there are doubts about his chances of beating the tougher opposition in the knockout stages, which begin tomorrow.

The most impressive performer in the men's event continues to be David Lilley, hoping to get third time lucky. Lilley has been in the finals of the world championships twice before, but did not win. Lilley tops Group A standings after winning 11 matches on the trot, giving away only six frames.

Thailand's Kobkit Palajin should also qualify from the group, but is uncertain of his final place as he is among the three players crowding the No 2 spot. Kobkit, Mohamed Samy of Egypt and Yvan Van Velthoven of Belgium all have eight wins from 11 matches.

Noppadol Sangnil and Passakorn Suwannawat are also raising Thai hopes, as they lead in Group B and C respectively.

Pramual Jantad, a former Asian under-21 champion, is placed fourth in group D and has a huge mathematical advantage over John Torpey of Ireland, but his fate will be decided today. Pramual must avoid a loss against group leader Dene O'Kane of New Zealand, as Torpey will in all probability have a cosy time against George Lai of the United States.

Veteran Phaithoon Phonbun may sail into the second round after a torrid time in Group E, which is headed by former Belgian professional Bjorn Haneveer.

Mustafa Shehab of the United Arab Emirates and Chan Wai-Ki of Hong Kong are placed ahead of Phaithoon in the group.

The two remaining groups are led by talented teenaged Chinese, who are quietly gaining confidence, something that may help them make up for the lack of experience in the knockout stages.

In fact, Li Hang, going by the record, has been as good as the experienced Lilley, winning 10 out of 10 Group H matches and conceding only seven frames in Group H. Chinnakrit Yaowannasiri has also been impressive in the same group, with a tally similar to Li's, but trailing by two frames.

Agencies

Nakhon Ratchasima