CWY Snooker House

Detail Reports

THIRD ROUNDS

Stuart Pettman (Eng) 1-5 Willie Thorne (Eng)

Veteran Willie Thorne hit vintage form to see off Stuart Pettman 5-1 and ease into the fourth qualifying round.
Thorne, now in his 25th year as a professional, made two stunning breaks of 115 and is just one win away from booking his place in Bangkok in March.
"I'm glad to be potting a few balls. It's still in me but it's taking a while to find these days," said the snooker's Mr. Maximum man.
"I don't enjoy practising but I like competing and it's nice to prove I can still do it when it matters."

Stuart Pettman (Eng)	1-5	Willie Thorne (Eng)
Veteran Willie Thorne hit vintage form to see off Stuart Pettman 5-1 and ease into the fourth qualifying round. Thorne, now in his 25th year as a professional, made two stunning breaks of 115 and is just one win away from booking his place in Bangkok in March. "I'm glad to be potting a few balls. It's still in me but it's taking a while to find these days," said the snooker's Mr. Maximum man. "I don't enjoy practising but I like competing and it's nice to prove I can still do it when it matters."

FOURTH ROUNDS

James Wattana (Thai) 2-5 Michael Judge (Ire)

Scores: 18-62 (55), 13-57, 56-58, 76-0, 33-68 (68), 64-18 (58), 45-69 (53)
James Wattana found it is hard to resurrect his form during the mid '90 nowadays even in his own soil. The former world No.3 were wrecked again in the early rounds and this time by Irishman Michael Judge.
The 1995 Thailand Open champion admitted, "I just didn't perform. It can't get any worse than this and to play like that in Thailand was disgusting.
"I have had a lot of disappointments during the last four of five years but nothing quite like this one. I know I would have preferred to play the match in the UK rather than have it held over until now. At the same time the last thing I wanted was for it to end like this.
The 24-year-old Dubliner Michael Judge, the world No.67, compiled the highest break of the match of 68 remarked, "James didn't play as well as he can but I still had to put the balls away to win. If there was a turning point, it was probably in frame three.
"Had James won it instead of losing on the black and going three down, it might have been different. He had his chance but didn't take it and it was always going to be hard to recover from the position he was in."

James Wattana (Thai)	2-5	Michael Judge (Ire)
Scores: 18-62 (55), 13-57, 56-58, 76-0, 33-68 (68), 64-18 (58), 45-69 (53) James Wattana found it is hard to resurrect his form during the mid '90 nowadays even in his own soil. The former world No.3 were wrecked again in the early rounds and this time by Irishman Michael Judge. The 1995 Thailand Open champion admitted, "I just didn't perform. It can't get any worse than this and to play like that in Thailand was disgusting. "I have had a lot of disappointments during the last four of five years but nothing quite like this one. I know I would have preferred to play the match in the UK rather than have it held over until now. At the same time the last thing I wanted was for it to end like this. The 24-year-old Dubliner Michael Judge, the world No.67, compiled the highest break of the match of 68 remarked, "James didn't play as well as he can but I still had to put the balls away to win. If there was a turning point, it was probably in frame three. "Had James won it instead of losing on the black and going three down, it might have been different. He had his chance but didn't take it and it was always going to be hard to recover from the position he was in."

FIFTH ROUNDS

Mark J Williams (Wal) 5-4 Terry Murphy (NI)

Scores: 93-4 (60), 70-16, 58-72, 77-17 (57), 37-67 (50), 11-67 (67), 48-62, 86-0 (86), 66-14
Defending Champion Mark J Williams had to overcome a stomach bug and a stubborn opponent to scrape into the last 16.
But after the tense match with Terry Murphy, the 24-year-old Welshman who leads the provisional world rankings, was too ill to attend the customary press conference.
He began to suffer from nausea in the deciding frame, and twice asked for play to stop for him to drink water.
Whilst making a crucial 37 break, he became so unwell and unsteady that he had to grap the cushions for support and later on rushed out of the arena immediately after Murphy conceded the match.
It believed that his dizziness was caused by dehydration disappeared after a night's sleep.
Williams took a early lead 3-1 but had to win the last two frames to go through including the highest break of the match, 86, in frame eight.
Unfortunately for Murphy, this defeat meant that his record of not winning any televised match is still looking for an end.

Steve Davis (Eng) 1-5 Dominic Dale (Wal)

Steve Davis, six times world champion, was one of the five top 16 seeds failed to qualify for the Bangkok stages of the Thailand Masters.
The world No.15 Davis avoided a whitewash by winning the fifth frame with a break of 72. But he could not hang on despite leading 61 points in the next frame and let the Welshman Dominic Dale wrapped up victory with a clearance to the black of 62.
"I couldn't have been more zoned in though the key to victory was my safety, it was the best it's been for ages," said the winner whose other breaks included 73 and 52.
Davis who also failed to qualify for the overseas stages of last December's China International, said, "These defeats are destroying my air miles. I have really lost out this season.
"Dominic threw a lot at me and for most of the game, kept me off the table. That is what can happen when you are out of form," he added.

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) 5-3 Joe Swail (NI)

Scores: 72-58, 83-28 (56), 23-102 (58), 64-4, 30-66, 46-77, 83-30, 80-59 (75)
Ronnie O'Sullivan, who won the China Open in Shanghai three months ago, took the first step to completing snooker's Far East double here in Bangkok. He safely reached the last 16 with a scrappy 5-3 victory over Northern Ireland's Joe Swail.
"I definitely fancy doing the double but, at the moment, I don't want to think too far ahead," said the Rocket.
O'Sullivan was 3-1 up at the interval but missed a series of ambitious pots which he later admitted were "mad" and allowed Swail to level at 3-3. However, he ragained control and produced a clearance of 75, the highest of the match, to finally win through.
"If I could win here it would be a real bonus but there's definitely room for improvement," he admitted afterwards.
But in the world ranking, the world No.4 won't be so confident as he might lose his top four position in the next season.
"I think the best I can hope for is to be fifth and that's simply because I haven't played well enough, Had I done so, it would have been easy," said the 24 year old from Chigwell in Essex.
"I'm just pleased to be winning matches as it's important to be in a good attacking position on the one year rankings at the start of next season.
"After such a bad season last time, it was always going to be difficult to stay in the top four. But I have put in a lot of hard work to get back to where I am now and I'm sure the rewards will come in the future."
Joe Swail, currently ranked at No.28 and 17th on the provisional, remarked, "I didn't play well at all, in fact I don't seem to be able to do the business at all against the top players. I don't know why but I'm now 30, there isn't a lot of time left and perhaps I've missed the boat.
"I don't fancy hanging around in the top 32 for the next 10 years but I'll give it a go for a couple more seasons and see what happens. If there is no improvement, then I will have to consider packing in."

John Higgins (Sco) 3-5 Billy Snaddon (Sco)

Scores: 29-107 (64), 99-0 (80), 43-68, 77-0 (77), 42-58, 52-72 (72), 57-1, 39-65
The world No.24 Scot Billy Snaddon gained his revenge this time in Bangkok after losing to John Higgins 9-3 at last season's China International final in Shanghai.
"I knew if I was to get my revenge I needed to get off to a good start and I wasn't disappointed to go in at half way with the score 2-2 as I hadn't done all that much wrong," said Snaddon.
"Towards the end, the nerves were jangling and I was shaking like a leaf. But I thought under the circumstances, I did well to hold myself together."
It forced the world No.1 to jet back to the UK earlier than expected. It was his third early exit in four years.
The dejected Higgins said, "I'm missing shots I've never missed in the past and it's doing my head in. I've been feeling nervous and I'm stuggling with my confidence.
Higgins, who has never reached the semis at any event staged in Thailand, continued, "I don't know why it is but I'm not surprised with this result because I just don't seem to be able to do myself justice in Thailand.
"But if I had to lose to anyone, I couldn't have chosen anyone better than Billy. He's a good friend who has had a pretty raw time during the past couple of years. He also deserved to beat me."
As Mark J Williams reached the last 16 at the night before, Higgins would find their gap increased at the top of the world ranking.
He said, "The No.1 ranking for a third successive season is getting harder and harder. Mark Williams winning last night put me under even more pressure and I didn't respond to it. Maybe the rankings have something to do with the way I'm playing."
But the Scot stressed, "I'm going to battle my way out of this slump."

Anthony Hamilton (Eng) 5-3 Michael Judge (Ire)

Scores: 76-17, 81-25, 0-107 (103), 8-58, 86-35, 7-68 (68), 69-56, 85-0 (85)
Anthony Hamilton, the world No.10, won the last two frames to complete a 5-3 victory over Irishman Michael Judge including a 85 break in the deciding frame.
The victory boosts Hamilton's hopes of remaining among the game's top 16.
The 28-year-old Englishman had suffered first round defeats in four of the previous six ranking events and a fifth upset could have led to disastrous consequences for him.
"This was a massive match for me and to win it, is a big relief," said Hamilton whose four previous defeats all came in the deciding frame.
"To be honest, I was more nervous than I have been all season. I just had to win to stay on level terms with the other players near me on the rankings. The last thing I want is to have to win two or three matches at the world championship to stay in the top 16."
Consolation for Judge was to compile the highest and first century break of the tournament's final stage so far, a 103 in frame three.

Stephen Hendry (Sco) 5-0 Andy Hicks (Eng)

Scores: 63-49, 79-6, 58-48, 55-46, 115-0 (69)
Former champion Stephen Hendry moved easily into the last 16 with a 5-0 whitewash over Andy Hicks.
With Hicks probably made more mistakes in this match than he has done all season, Hendry snatched the first and third frames on the pink, the fourth with a green to black clearance. He also had breaks of 43, 47, 46 and 69.
"I don't know what his problem is but he is only a shadow of the player who reached a world championship semi-final a few years ago," said Hendry.
Since his back-to-back wins at the start of the season, the seven-times world champion is still looking for another title.
"My own game wasn't particularly good but I can't complain at the practice table. If I can transfer that form to my matches, there will be no problems at all. But these first rounders can be sticky affairs so it's nice to go through as easy as this," said the world No.2.

Mark J Williams (Wal)	5-4	Terry Murphy (NI)
Scores: 93-4 (60), 70-16, 58-72, 77-17 (57), 37-67 (50), 11-67 (67), 48-62, 86-0 (86), 66-14 Defending Champion Mark J Williams had to overcome a stomach bug and a stubborn opponent to scrape into the last 16. But after the tense match with Terry Murphy, the 24-year-old Welshman who leads the provisional world rankings, was too ill to attend the customary press conference. He began to suffer from nausea in the deciding frame, and twice asked for play to stop for him to drink water. Whilst making a crucial 37 break, he became so unwell and unsteady that he had to grap the cushions for support and later on rushed out of the arena immediately after Murphy conceded the match. It believed that his dizziness was caused by dehydration disappeared after a night's sleep. Williams took a early lead 3-1 but had to win the last two frames to go through including the highest break of the match, 86, in frame eight. Unfortunately for Murphy, this defeat meant that his record of not winning any televised match is still looking for an end.

Steve Davis (Eng)	1-5	Dominic Dale (Wal)
Steve Davis, six times world champion, was one of the five top 16 seeds failed to qualify for the Bangkok stages of the Thailand Masters. The world No.15 Davis avoided a whitewash by winning the fifth frame with a break of 72. But he could not hang on despite leading 61 points in the next frame and let the Welshman Dominic Dale wrapped up victory with a clearance to the black of 62. "I couldn't have been more zoned in though the key to victory was my safety, it was the best it's been for ages," said the winner whose other breaks included 73 and 52. Davis who also failed to qualify for the overseas stages of last December's China International, said, "These defeats are destroying my air miles. I have really lost out this season. "Dominic threw a lot at me and for most of the game, kept me off the table. That is what can happen when you are out of form," he added.

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)	5-3	Joe Swail (NI)
Scores: 72-58, 83-28 (56), 23-102 (58), 64-4, 30-66, 46-77, 83-30, 80-59 (75) Ronnie O'Sullivan, who won the China Open in Shanghai three months ago, took the first step to completing snooker's Far East double here in Bangkok. He safely reached the last 16 with a scrappy 5-3 victory over Northern Ireland's Joe Swail. "I definitely fancy doing the double but, at the moment, I don't want to think too far ahead," said the Rocket. O'Sullivan was 3-1 up at the interval but missed a series of ambitious pots which he later admitted were "mad" and allowed Swail to level at 3-3. However, he ragained control and produced a clearance of 75, the highest of the match, to finally win through. "If I could win here it would be a real bonus but there's definitely room for improvement," he admitted afterwards. But in the world ranking, the world No.4 won't be so confident as he might lose his top four position in the next season. "I think the best I can hope for is to be fifth and that's simply because I haven't played well enough, Had I done so, it would have been easy," said the 24 year old from Chigwell in Essex. "I'm just pleased to be winning matches as it's important to be in a good attacking position on the one year rankings at the start of next season. "After such a bad season last time, it was always going to be difficult to stay in the top four. But I have put in a lot of hard work to get back to where I am now and I'm sure the rewards will come in the future." Joe Swail, currently ranked at No.28 and 17th on the provisional, remarked, "I didn't play well at all, in fact I don't seem to be able to do the business at all against the top players. I don't know why but I'm now 30, there isn't a lot of time left and perhaps I've missed the boat. "I don't fancy hanging around in the top 32 for the next 10 years but I'll give it a go for a couple more seasons and see what happens. If there is no improvement, then I will have to consider packing in."

John Higgins (Sco)	3-5	Billy Snaddon (Sco)
Scores: 29-107 (64), 99-0 (80), 43-68, 77-0 (77), 42-58, 52-72 (72), 57-1, 39-65 The world No.24 Scot Billy Snaddon gained his revenge this time in Bangkok after losing to John Higgins 9-3 at last season's China International final in Shanghai. "I knew if I was to get my revenge I needed to get off to a good start and I wasn't disappointed to go in at half way with the score 2-2 as I hadn't done all that much wrong," said Snaddon. "Towards the end, the nerves were jangling and I was shaking like a leaf. But I thought under the circumstances, I did well to hold myself together." It forced the world No.1 to jet back to the UK earlier than expected. It was his third early exit in four years. The dejected Higgins said, "I'm missing shots I've never missed in the past and it's doing my head in. I've been feeling nervous and I'm stuggling with my confidence. Higgins, who has never reached the semis at any event staged in Thailand, continued, "I don't know why it is but I'm not surprised with this result because I just don't seem to be able to do myself justice in Thailand. "But if I had to lose to anyone, I couldn't have chosen anyone better than Billy. He's a good friend who has had a pretty raw time during the past couple of years. He also deserved to beat me." As Mark J Williams reached the last 16 at the night before, Higgins would find their gap increased at the top of the world ranking. He said, "The No.1 ranking for a third successive season is getting harder and harder. Mark Williams winning last night put me under even more pressure and I didn't respond to it. Maybe the rankings have something to do with the way I'm playing." But the Scot stressed, "I'm going to battle my way out of this slump."

Anthony Hamilton (Eng)	5-3	Michael Judge (Ire)
Scores: 76-17, 81-25, 0-107 (103), 8-58, 86-35, 7-68 (68), 69-56, 85-0 (85) Anthony Hamilton, the world No.10, won the last two frames to complete a 5-3 victory over Irishman Michael Judge including a 85 break in the deciding frame. The victory boosts Hamilton's hopes of remaining among the game's top 16. The 28-year-old Englishman had suffered first round defeats in four of the previous six ranking events and a fifth upset could have led to disastrous consequences for him. "This was a massive match for me and to win it, is a big relief," said Hamilton whose four previous defeats all came in the deciding frame. "To be honest, I was more nervous than I have been all season. I just had to win to stay on level terms with the other players near me on the rankings. The last thing I want is to have to win two or three matches at the world championship to stay in the top 16." Consolation for Judge was to compile the highest and first century break of the tournament's final stage so far, a 103 in frame three.

Stephen Hendry (Sco)	5-0	Andy Hicks (Eng)
Scores: 63-49, 79-6, 58-48, 55-46, 115-0 (69) Former champion Stephen Hendry moved easily into the last 16 with a 5-0 whitewash over Andy Hicks. With Hicks probably made more mistakes in this match than he has done all season, Hendry snatched the first and third frames on the pink, the fourth with a green to black clearance. He also had breaks of 43, 47, 46 and 69. "I don't know what his problem is but he is only a shadow of the player who reached a world championship semi-final a few years ago," said Hendry. Since his back-to-back wins at the start of the season, the seven-times world champion is still looking for another title. "My own game wasn't particularly good but I can't complain at the practice table. If I can transfer that form to my matches, there will be no problems at all. But these first rounders can be sticky affairs so it's nice to go through as easy as this," said the world No.2.

SIXTH ROUNDS

Mark J Williams (Wal) 5-3 Joe Perry (Eng)

Scores: 93-12 (66), 56-28, 4-73, 4-129 (93), 58-47, 67-35, 42-65, 65-13
The UK champion, once again failed to show the form which has helped him to the top of the provisional rankings.
Mark J Williams defeated Joe Perry to reach the quarter-finals admitting, "I'm doing enough to get over the winning line and nothing more."
"I can get in and pot some cracking balls only to miss an easy one afterwards. I suppose that's typical me."
"But I'm pleased to win and set up a quarter-final against Stephen Lee. He's beaten me twice this season so I owe him one," said Williams whose highest break a 66, came in the first frame.
The Welshman who though to suffer dehydration during his first match against Terry Murphy, added, "I felt so bad and in the last frame of that match, I had to hold on to the table as I couldn't keep my balance.
"I drank two pints of water in 10 minutes and spent the next 17 hours in bed. It was scary because I didn't know what was wrong with me.
"It was extremely warm out there for some reason. I think the air conditioning needs tweaking up a bit.
"Apart from that I've got no complaints. At least I've feeling all right now."
The 24-year-old also set his sights on the world No.1 spot after saw John Higgins' early defeat at the event. Williams would be in a strong position to secure the top spot in the rankings if he can triumph here.
He remarked, "Ideally I'd like to go to the Crucible with the world No.1 spot safely wrapped up - but to do that I need to do the business here."

Paul Hunter (Eng) 0-5 Stephen Lee (Eng)

Scores: 53-78, 54-70 (56), 0-73, 47-60, 23-59
Stephen Lee, the world No.6 who has done little wrong all season apart from failing to win a ranking tournament to add to his 1998 Grand Prix victory, cruised into the last eight to become the first of the quarter-finalists.
The 25-year-old from Trowbridge in Wiltshire has developed an impressive seasonal started when he won the Cable TV Millennium Cup in Hong Kong last July.
However, in contrast with sparkling Lee, this is not a pleasant season for Paul Hunter, the world No.12 from Leeds. He never reached the quarter-final stage and were twice been whitewashed in both Far East ranking events.
He lost to Mark J Williams 5-0 in his first round in the China International three months ago where he scored only 16 points. Together with this match, it must also be some sort of record as he failed to win a single frame and scored only 193 points after travelling the return journeys from London to Shanghai and Bangkok, a total of 25,000 miles.

Anthony Davies (Wal) 4-5 Dominic Dale (Wal)

Scores: 66-73 (52/69), 45-82, 51-29, 75-22, 1-91 (85), 0-80 (80), 74-29, 62-46, 38-74
World No.80 Anthony Davis, the lowest ranked player to qualify for the oversea stages, lost a close match to Dominic Dale in the last 16.
Dale, who beat six-times World champion Steve Davis in the early qualifying round in UK, took more than three hours to reach his first quarter-final since winning the 1997 Grand Prix, his only ranking event title.
There were three frames taking over half an hour to complete including the 34 minutes decider, which Dale sealed the victory on the final yellow.
"I didn't eat before the match and I think that and the pressure I was under, made me feel light headed during the first four frames. It was strange because I couldn't seem to figure out the potting angles," said Dale whose highest breaks includes 85 and 80.
"I gradually felt better afterwards but I didn't enjoy the match one bit. How can you when your opponent is a good friend and you practice together at the same club?"
This victory will give help Dale, ranked 19 and currently at 23 in the provisional rankings, for his hope of joining the top 16 ranking next season though he must qualify for the final stages of the Embassy world championship to achieve his seasonal target.

Mark King (Eng) 5-2 Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)

Scores: 68-0 (68), 0-80, 0-81 (81), 60-38, 53-22, 66-0, 55-36
Mark King completed his third victory in four attempts over Ronnie O'Sullivan to go through to the last eight.
He took full advantage of a wildly unpredictable showing from Ronnie as the rocket attempted a series of highly ambitious pots after taking a 2-1 lead.
But even King was bemused by Ronnie's sudden loss of form. He had to questioned whether O'Sullivan was fully committed to the job in hand.
"It looked as if he didn't want to win and that something was wrong with him. When we shook hands at the end I even asked him if he was all right, and he told me he was.
"The way he played did my head in, I was getting chances and missing almost as much as he was. But the important thing was that I won. He might not have wanted to which was alright by me because I did."
King might probably be one of the most determined title challengers at the Thailand Masters in Bangkok this week.
"I'd love to lift the trophy for my father-in-law Peter, who's not been very well lately," said King who is still seeking his first piece of silverware in nine years as a professional.
O'Sullivan, blamed a change of tip for his dramatic slide, remarked, "I struggled from start to finish. I lost confidence and went from bad to worse. My tip gave me problems and I had no feel for my shots at all."

Billy Snaddon (Sco) 5-3 Jimmy White (Eng)

Scores: 38-71 (54), 2-84 (84), 23-83, 64-12, 66-0 (59), 75-36, 70-5 (61), 72-4
Billy Snaddon, regular practice partner of world champion Stephen Hendry, produced one of his best performances. He came from 3-0 down to knock Jimmy White out of the tournament. It was his first win in their three meetings.
The world No.24, who has already saw off world No.1 John Higgins in the previous rouond, said, "I always enjoy playing the big boys and this tournament has been no exception."
But Snaddon was completely out of sorts as White dominated the match in the early frames with breaks of 54, 84 and 45, until the Scot made a crucial break of 40 in the fourth frame and clinched victory with further runs of 59, 61 and 37.
"I was terrible early on because my confidence has been low," said the 30-year-old.
"At 3-0 down it was looking bleak but I think I must have dragged Jimmy down to my level. Everything changed in the fourth frame and I started to play well after that."
A jubilant Snaddon added, "I fought hard all the way through but it does make a difference playing in front of a large knowledgeable crowd which was the case tonight. I'm over the moon, I couldn't be happier."
He will face Rothmans Malta Grand Prix champion Ken Doherty in the quarter-final, his first appearance in the last eight of a ranking tournament since he was runner-up in the China International a year ago.

Ken Doherty (Ire) 5-3 John Lardner (Sco)

Scores: 0-139 (91), 0-77 (77), 20-78, 71-0 (62), 62-39, 70-13, 81-0 (54), 69-18
John Lardner's debut here in Bangkok came to an end as he missed a chance to take the advantage of 3-0 lead. Ken Doherty fought back to win the last five frames to steal the victory.
Against a player ranked 65 places below him, the world No.7 Doherty who only captured the Rothmans Grand Prix nine days ago wasn't enjoy the most of it in the early frames. He only managed to score 20 points in the first three frames while Lardner compiled breaks of 91 and 77.
But once the Scot missed an easy red ball in frame four, the Irishman found the gap and dug breaks of 62, 40, 30, 54 and 30 which gave him a road to the quarter-finals.
The Dubliner said, "I really didn't do anything wrong but having gone three behind it was important to win the fourth frame. It's difficult to settle down until you've got one under your belt.
"As it happened I got stronger and stronger the longer the match went on. Yet when I was three down, the next flight home looked a distinct possibility. But I never give up and 3-1 gave me a fighting chance though I will have to improve on this performance if I'm to get any further."
Two years ago Doherty beat Lardner 9-0 in the last 64 of the UK championship a victory which hadn't escaped him. "I knew that once I could get on to a roll I could do that sort of thing again though had I lost, it would have been heart-breaking considering what I have achieved in the past two or three weeks.
"When you're on the top of your game you've got to try and make the most of it. Now I've won nine of my last ten matches and hopefully there are more to come."
Lardner remarked, "The red I missed in the fourth frame and an easy pink in the last, cost me dearly but I've enjoyed it here, it's brilliant."

Matthew Stevens (Wal) 5-4 Nigel Bond (Eng)

Scores: 82-1, 49-67, 75-46, 0-79, 90-56 (66), 138-0 (138), 10-68 (61), 41-52, 71-39 (65)

Anthony Hamilton (Eng) 4-5 Stephen Hendry (Sco)

Scores: 82-36 (62), 106-37 (102), 64-9, 14-110 (54), 4-122 (64, 58), 25-54, 76-16 (59), 9-64, 0-129 (109)
Despite making a number of careless mistakes, world champion Stephen Hendry came from 3-0 behind to beat Anthony Hamilton in the close contest and is still tracing Mark J Williams in the world No.1 spot.
Break of 62 and 102 helped Hamilton to establish a 3-0 lead, but a determined Hendry forced the decider.
Though the Scot missed a routine black after made 20 points, he soon found another chance and wrapped the victory with a stylish 109 break, his 26th century of the season and the incredibly 492nd century of his career.
"Instead of concentrating solely on potting the black, I was also thinking of what angle to leave on the next red. But there is no point trying to play perfect position if your concentration is all over the place which mine was," explained by Hendry about his missing black.
"I never expected to go back to the table so quickly afterwards. I was very fortunate."
With the amibition to regain his world No.1 title, the world No.2 added, "I want to win this event event badly. There is is no point coming this far just to muck about which some players prefer to do, and I'm not here on holiday.
"I'm trying my hardest to get hold of the trophy as I want my No.1 ranking back though it remains to be seen whether I have left it too late."

Mark J Williams (Wal)	5-3	Joe Perry (Eng)
Scores: 93-12 (66), 56-28, 4-73, 4-129 (93), 58-47, 67-35, 42-65, 65-13 The UK champion, once again failed to show the form which has helped him to the top of the provisional rankings. Mark J Williams defeated Joe Perry to reach the quarter-finals admitting, "I'm doing enough to get over the winning line and nothing more." "I can get in and pot some cracking balls only to miss an easy one afterwards. I suppose that's typical me." "But I'm pleased to win and set up a quarter-final against Stephen Lee. He's beaten me twice this season so I owe him one," said Williams whose highest break a 66, came in the first frame. The Welshman who though to suffer dehydration during his first match against Terry Murphy, added, "I felt so bad and in the last frame of that match, I had to hold on to the table as I couldn't keep my balance. "I drank two pints of water in 10 minutes and spent the next 17 hours in bed. It was scary because I didn't know what was wrong with me. "It was extremely warm out there for some reason. I think the air conditioning needs tweaking up a bit. "Apart from that I've got no complaints. At least I've feeling all right now." The 24-year-old also set his sights on the world No.1 spot after saw John Higgins' early defeat at the event. Williams would be in a strong position to secure the top spot in the rankings if he can triumph here. He remarked, "Ideally I'd like to go to the Crucible with the world No.1 spot safely wrapped up - but to do that I need to do the business here."

Paul Hunter (Eng)	0-5	Stephen Lee (Eng)
Scores: 53-78, 54-70 (56), 0-73, 47-60, 23-59 Stephen Lee, the world No.6 who has done little wrong all season apart from failing to win a ranking tournament to add to his 1998 Grand Prix victory, cruised into the last eight to become the first of the quarter-finalists. The 25-year-old from Trowbridge in Wiltshire has developed an impressive seasonal started when he won the Cable TV Millennium Cup in Hong Kong last July. However, in contrast with sparkling Lee, this is not a pleasant season for Paul Hunter, the world No.12 from Leeds. He never reached the quarter-final stage and were twice been whitewashed in both Far East ranking events. He lost to Mark J Williams 5-0 in his first round in the China International three months ago where he scored only 16 points. Together with this match, it must also be some sort of record as he failed to win a single frame and scored only 193 points after travelling the return journeys from London to Shanghai and Bangkok, a total of 25,000 miles.

Anthony Davies (Wal)	4-5	Dominic Dale (Wal)
Scores: 66-73 (52/69), 45-82, 51-29, 75-22, 1-91 (85), 0-80 (80), 74-29, 62-46, 38-74 World No.80 Anthony Davis, the lowest ranked player to qualify for the oversea stages, lost a close match to Dominic Dale in the last 16. Dale, who beat six-times World champion Steve Davis in the early qualifying round in UK, took more than three hours to reach his first quarter-final since winning the 1997 Grand Prix, his only ranking event title. There were three frames taking over half an hour to complete including the 34 minutes decider, which Dale sealed the victory on the final yellow. "I didn't eat before the match and I think that and the pressure I was under, made me feel light headed during the first four frames. It was strange because I couldn't seem to figure out the potting angles," said Dale whose highest breaks includes 85 and 80. "I gradually felt better afterwards but I didn't enjoy the match one bit. How can you when your opponent is a good friend and you practice together at the same club?" This victory will give help Dale, ranked 19 and currently at 23 in the provisional rankings, for his hope of joining the top 16 ranking next season though he must qualify for the final stages of the Embassy world championship to achieve his seasonal target.

Mark King (Eng)	5-2	Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng)
Scores: 68-0 (68), 0-80, 0-81 (81), 60-38, 53-22, 66-0, 55-36 Mark King completed his third victory in four attempts over Ronnie O'Sullivan to go through to the last eight. He took full advantage of a wildly unpredictable showing from Ronnie as the rocket attempted a series of highly ambitious pots after taking a 2-1 lead. But even King was bemused by Ronnie's sudden loss of form. He had to questioned whether O'Sullivan was fully committed to the job in hand. "It looked as if he didn't want to win and that something was wrong with him. When we shook hands at the end I even asked him if he was all right, and he told me he was. "The way he played did my head in, I was getting chances and missing almost as much as he was. But the important thing was that I won. He might not have wanted to which was alright by me because I did." King might probably be one of the most determined title challengers at the Thailand Masters in Bangkok this week. "I'd love to lift the trophy for my father-in-law Peter, who's not been very well lately," said King who is still seeking his first piece of silverware in nine years as a professional. O'Sullivan, blamed a change of tip for his dramatic slide, remarked, "I struggled from start to finish. I lost confidence and went from bad to worse. My tip gave me problems and I had no feel for my shots at all."

Billy Snaddon (Sco)	5-3	Jimmy White (Eng)
Scores: 38-71 (54), 2-84 (84), 23-83, 64-12, 66-0 (59), 75-36, 70-5 (61), 72-4 Billy Snaddon, regular practice partner of world champion Stephen Hendry, produced one of his best performances. He came from 3-0 down to knock Jimmy White out of the tournament. It was his first win in their three meetings. The world No.24, who has already saw off world No.1 John Higgins in the previous rouond, said, "I always enjoy playing the big boys and this tournament has been no exception." But Snaddon was completely out of sorts as White dominated the match in the early frames with breaks of 54, 84 and 45, until the Scot made a crucial break of 40 in the fourth frame and clinched victory with further runs of 59, 61 and 37. "I was terrible early on because my confidence has been low," said the 30-year-old. "At 3-0 down it was looking bleak but I think I must have dragged Jimmy down to my level. Everything changed in the fourth frame and I started to play well after that." A jubilant Snaddon added, "I fought hard all the way through but it does make a difference playing in front of a large knowledgeable crowd which was the case tonight. I'm over the moon, I couldn't be happier." He will face Rothmans Malta Grand Prix champion Ken Doherty in the quarter-final, his first appearance in the last eight of a ranking tournament since he was runner-up in the China International a year ago.

Ken Doherty (Ire)	5-3	John Lardner (Sco)
Scores: 0-139 (91), 0-77 (77), 20-78, 71-0 (62), 62-39, 70-13, 81-0 (54), 69-18 John Lardner's debut here in Bangkok came to an end as he missed a chance to take the advantage of 3-0 lead. Ken Doherty fought back to win the last five frames to steal the victory. Against a player ranked 65 places below him, the world No.7 Doherty who only captured the Rothmans Grand Prix nine days ago wasn't enjoy the most of it in the early frames. He only managed to score 20 points in the first three frames while Lardner compiled breaks of 91 and 77. But once the Scot missed an easy red ball in frame four, the Irishman found the gap and dug breaks of 62, 40, 30, 54 and 30 which gave him a road to the quarter-finals. The Dubliner said, "I really didn't do anything wrong but having gone three behind it was important to win the fourth frame. It's difficult to settle down until you've got one under your belt. "As it happened I got stronger and stronger the longer the match went on. Yet when I was three down, the next flight home looked a distinct possibility. But I never give up and 3-1 gave me a fighting chance though I will have to improve on this performance if I'm to get any further." Two years ago Doherty beat Lardner 9-0 in the last 64 of the UK championship a victory which hadn't escaped him. "I knew that once I could get on to a roll I could do that sort of thing again though had I lost, it would have been heart-breaking considering what I have achieved in the past two or three weeks. "When you're on the top of your game you've got to try and make the most of it. Now I've won nine of my last ten matches and hopefully there are more to come." Lardner remarked, "The red I missed in the fourth frame and an easy pink in the last, cost me dearly but I've enjoyed it here, it's brilliant."

Matthew Stevens (Wal)	5-4	Nigel Bond (Eng)
Scores: 82-1, 49-67, 75-46, 0-79, 90-56 (66), 138-0 (138), 10-68 (61), 41-52, 71-39 (65)

Anthony Hamilton (Eng)	4-5	Stephen Hendry (Sco)
Scores: 82-36 (62), 106-37 (102), 64-9, 14-110 (54), 4-122 (64, 58), 25-54, 76-16 (59), 9-64, 0-129 (109) Despite making a number of careless mistakes, world champion Stephen Hendry came from 3-0 behind to beat Anthony Hamilton in the close contest and is still tracing Mark J Williams in the world No.1 spot. Break of 62 and 102 helped Hamilton to establish a 3-0 lead, but a determined Hendry forced the decider. Though the Scot missed a routine black after made 20 points, he soon found another chance and wrapped the victory with a stylish 109 break, his 26th century of the season and the incredibly 492nd century of his career. "Instead of concentrating solely on potting the black, I was also thinking of what angle to leave on the next red. But there is no point trying to play perfect position if your concentration is all over the place which mine was," explained by Hendry about his missing black. "I never expected to go back to the table so quickly afterwards. I was very fortunate." With the amibition to regain his world No.1 title, the world No.2 added, "I want to win this event event badly. There is is no point coming this far just to muck about which some players prefer to do, and I'm not here on holiday. "I'm trying my hardest to get hold of the trophy as I want my No.1 ranking back though it remains to be seen whether I have left it too late."

QUARTER FINALS

Mark J Williams (Wal) 5-3 Stephen Lee (Eng)

Scores: 73-67, 35-66, 140-0 (140), 32-61, 73-43 (68), 1-69 (56), 58-13, 65-30 (50)
Uk Champion Mark J Williams, who noramlly don't interest in making century break, set up the new televised high break target in this year's Thailand Masters.
The world No.3 went on to beat Stephen Lee to reach his fourth ranking event semi-final of the season.
The 140, Williams' highest break of the season, came just hours after Matthew Steven's break of 138.
Williams said, "I was chatting to Matthew Stevens about his break of 138, at the poolside no long afterwards. I'll have to wind him up now I've beaten it. But this was the best I've played for sometime, probably since the UK championship in November."
This win also helped him to extend his lead in world rankings and the provisional No.1 remarked, "It's always been my dream to be no.1 and the more matches I win, the better off I am looking."

Dominic Dale (Wal) 5-2 Mark King (Eng)

Scores: 11-80 (80), 84-5, 1-71 (62), 75-46, 59-30, 73-29, 50-49
Dominic Dale's win guaranteed there will be a Welshman in this year's Thailand Master final. He will meet Nations Cup teammate Mark J Williams in the semis.
This will be the second semi-final of his career and the other one is where he won the 1997 Grand Prix. "It's nice to be back in one again," said Dale.
The world No.19 complied breaks include 62 and 46 and was pleased with his game. He said, "Some of the frames were a bit scrappy which suited my game. I was happy enough picking up the dribs and drabs."
He also proved that he can not only beat Davis, but also King. "If I was superstitious I would have been a little on edge because the first three players I beat in this event were all named Davis compared to a King this time.
"But in the semi-finals, I have nothing to lose. I have won a tournament so I know what it's all about. If I'm at my best I can definitely win though my record against Mark isn't good. In fact we've played each other six times and I've lost all six winning only 11 of the 45 frames played.
"We haven't played this season but five of the defeats came during a two year period in which I didn't have the mental strength to win let alone the ability. I'm a different proposition these days.
"I won't be beaten mentally by anyone and that includes Stephen Hendry or Joe Davis. Mark had better look out."

Billy Snaddon (Sco) 3-5 Ken Doherty (Ire)

Scores: 35-91, 44-72, 82-62 (54 Doherty), 64-4, 63-60 (62 Snaddon, 53 Doherty), 1-73 (62), 59-67, 6-109 (109)
Although Billy Snaddon lost his match to an in-form Ken Doherty here in Bangkok. The fighting performance he showed in this week should set him up nicely for the Embassy world championship qualifiers next week.
"It's a super feeling to be playing well again. This was a great match to be involved in and it could have gone either way. I have proved here that I can compete against the best players in the world," said Snaddon who defeated John Higgins and Jimmy white on his way to this year's quarter-final.
"What I have to do now is start believing in myself more than I have done. That's my problem, I'm not a great self believer."
In the first six frames, both players were level. But Doherty kept his cool and wrapped up the victory in style by firing his 149th century break of the ten-year professional career, a 109.
"I was coasting at 2-0 then Billy came back strongly and after drawing level, put together a fantastic clearance to lead 3-2 on the black. I was now right up against it. He had me in the bag but somehow the cat got out, as they say.
The Dubliner now only dropped one match in his last 11 matches following his runner-up spot in the B&H Masters last month and his victory in the Rothmans Malta GP.
"It's nice to keep a run like this going. I'm really happy to be back hitting the ball sweetly again but I don't want to leave here without the trophy," added the 1997 world champion.

Matthew Stevens (Wal) 1-5 Stephen Hendry (Sco)

Scores: 45-73, 56-71 (56 Hendry), 0-115 (115), 69-46, 24-67 (57), 22-78
World champion Stephen Hendry took full advantage of an under par Master Matthew Stevens to get closer to his 34th ranking title. And his 115 break in frame three also helping him one step closer to the amazing 500 century break mark of his career.
A contest with Ken Doherty will be his fourth semi-final in this season's ranking tournament.
Hendry punished Stevens' mistakes all the way through and now won the pair's last three meetings in recent three months.
"Even when I was 3-0 up I didn't drop my guard because I know he's so dangerous," Hendry said.
"But the second frame was the crucial one. Matthew had two or three chances to win it then clearing up lost position on the brown. I went on to lead 2-0 and that made my job much more easier.
"Despite making one or two mistakes, I played quite well. In a way I scraped over the line but it was still a good performance."
Despite spared one of his eye firmly on becoming only the second player in history after Ray Reardon to regain the world No.1 spot, Hendry kept a close look at the eighth world champion title.
"Of course I want to keep winning to keep the pressure on Mark Williams and John Higgins who are ahead of me on the provisional rankings, but as far as being world No.1 and world champion, there is no contest.
"I'd much rather keep hold of the world championship trophy. I'll take the championship every time, in fact as many times as I can."
Hendry will defend his world championship title at Sheffield next month.

Mark J Williams (Wal)	5-3	Stephen Lee (Eng)
Scores: 73-67, 35-66, 140-0 (140), 32-61, 73-43 (68), 1-69 (56), 58-13, 65-30 (50) Uk Champion Mark J Williams, who noramlly don't interest in making century break, set up the new televised high break target in this year's Thailand Masters. The world No.3 went on to beat Stephen Lee to reach his fourth ranking event semi-final of the season. The 140, Williams' highest break of the season, came just hours after Matthew Steven's break of 138. Williams said, "I was chatting to Matthew Stevens about his break of 138, at the poolside no long afterwards. I'll have to wind him up now I've beaten it. But this was the best I've played for sometime, probably since the UK championship in November." This win also helped him to extend his lead in world rankings and the provisional No.1 remarked, "It's always been my dream to be no.1 and the more matches I win, the better off I am looking."

Dominic Dale (Wal)	5-2	Mark King (Eng)
Scores: 11-80 (80), 84-5, 1-71 (62), 75-46, 59-30, 73-29, 50-49 Dominic Dale's win guaranteed there will be a Welshman in this year's Thailand Master final. He will meet Nations Cup teammate Mark J Williams in the semis. This will be the second semi-final of his career and the other one is where he won the 1997 Grand Prix. "It's nice to be back in one again," said Dale. The world No.19 complied breaks include 62 and 46 and was pleased with his game. He said, "Some of the frames were a bit scrappy which suited my game. I was happy enough picking up the dribs and drabs." He also proved that he can not only beat Davis, but also King. "If I was superstitious I would have been a little on edge because the first three players I beat in this event were all named Davis compared to a King this time. "But in the semi-finals, I have nothing to lose. I have won a tournament so I know what it's all about. If I'm at my best I can definitely win though my record against Mark isn't good. In fact we've played each other six times and I've lost all six winning only 11 of the 45 frames played. "We haven't played this season but five of the defeats came during a two year period in which I didn't have the mental strength to win let alone the ability. I'm a different proposition these days. "I won't be beaten mentally by anyone and that includes Stephen Hendry or Joe Davis. Mark had better look out."

Billy Snaddon (Sco)	3-5	Ken Doherty (Ire)
Scores: 35-91, 44-72, 82-62 (54 Doherty), 64-4, 63-60 (62 Snaddon, 53 Doherty), 1-73 (62), 59-67, 6-109 (109) Although Billy Snaddon lost his match to an in-form Ken Doherty here in Bangkok. The fighting performance he showed in this week should set him up nicely for the Embassy world championship qualifiers next week. "It's a super feeling to be playing well again. This was a great match to be involved in and it could have gone either way. I have proved here that I can compete against the best players in the world," said Snaddon who defeated John Higgins and Jimmy white on his way to this year's quarter-final. "What I have to do now is start believing in myself more than I have done. That's my problem, I'm not a great self believer." In the first six frames, both players were level. But Doherty kept his cool and wrapped up the victory in style by firing his 149th century break of the ten-year professional career, a 109. "I was coasting at 2-0 then Billy came back strongly and after drawing level, put together a fantastic clearance to lead 3-2 on the black. I was now right up against it. He had me in the bag but somehow the cat got out, as they say. The Dubliner now only dropped one match in his last 11 matches following his runner-up spot in the B&H Masters last month and his victory in the Rothmans Malta GP. "It's nice to keep a run like this going. I'm really happy to be back hitting the ball sweetly again but I don't want to leave here without the trophy," added the 1997 world champion.

Matthew Stevens (Wal)	1-5	Stephen Hendry (Sco)
Scores: 45-73, 56-71 (56 Hendry), 0-115 (115), 69-46, 24-67 (57), 22-78 World champion Stephen Hendry took full advantage of an under par Master Matthew Stevens to get closer to his 34th ranking title. And his 115 break in frame three also helping him one step closer to the amazing 500 century break mark of his career. A contest with Ken Doherty will be his fourth semi-final in this season's ranking tournament. Hendry punished Stevens' mistakes all the way through and now won the pair's last three meetings in recent three months. "Even when I was 3-0 up I didn't drop my guard because I know he's so dangerous," Hendry said. "But the second frame was the crucial one. Matthew had two or three chances to win it then clearing up lost position on the brown. I went on to lead 2-0 and that made my job much more easier. "Despite making one or two mistakes, I played quite well. In a way I scraped over the line but it was still a good performance." Despite spared one of his eye firmly on becoming only the second player in history after Ray Reardon to regain the world No.1 spot, Hendry kept a close look at the eighth world champion title. "Of course I want to keep winning to keep the pressure on Mark Williams and John Higgins who are ahead of me on the provisional rankings, but as far as being world No.1 and world champion, there is no contest. "I'd much rather keep hold of the world championship trophy. I'll take the championship every time, in fact as many times as I can." Hendry will defend his world championship title at Sheffield next month.

SEMI FINALS

Mark J Williams (Wal) 5-1 Dominic Dale (Wal)

Scores: 24-64, 64-63 (57 Williams, 63 Dale), 82-75 (75 Williams, 70 Dale), 74-67, 84-1, 90-0 (90)
Whoever wants to have a battle with Mark J Williams on a respotted black might need to think again now.
The Welshman today proved he is the specialist in this territory as he won two successive respotted frames in this year's Thailand Masters semi-final clash against his fellow Dominic Dale.
The drama started at the third frame in which Dale compiled a break of 70 to lead a comfortable 75-0. But Williams returned to the table and gained the maximum points by clearing all the balls on the table to tie the scores. He then potted a tough respotted black.
In the next frame, it was Williams who took the initial lead 67-32 thanks to a break of 66 with 35 points still remaining on the table. Dale came back to scored maximum points and forced the respotted black.
But once again the luck went to Williams as he chopped the black into the yellow pocket though his heart was probably in his mouth as the cue ball headed for a middle pocket, rolled round the jaws only to stay on the table.
But who can forget Williams' famous respotted black victory was in the 1998 Benson & Hedges Masters final where he beat Stephen Hendry 10-9.
Though the defending champion wrapped the victory in style with a break of 90 and reached his second consecutive final in Bangkok. He was the first to admit that the scoreline flattered him.
"It was never a 5-1 result," said Williams, "I could easily have been 4-0 down at the interval so to be 3-1 ahead was nothing short of miraculous.
"The two black ball frames must have taken their toll on Dominic.
"Had the boot been on the other foot I would have found it difficult to recover."

Ken Doherty (Ire) 3-5 Stephen Hendry (Sco)

Scores: 0-127 (55, 62), 34-62, 17-111 (75), 5-76 (69), 54-45, 90-9 (50), 64-36, 37-69 (51)
Seven-times world champion Stephen Hendry staved off a determined fightback from Ken Doherty to reach the final of the Thailand Masters in Bangkok.
Hendry moved smoothly into a 4-0 lead with some decent breaks but missed a blue in frame five for a whitewash.
Doherty then took advantage of his chance to move within one frame of the Scotsman. He was also ahead in the eight but Hendry won the tactical battle to set up a frame-winning break of 51 and a meeting with Mark J Williams.
"I didn't feel as if I was under any extra pressure because apart from missing the final blue to win 5-0, I didn't really do anything wrong. I just wanted one decent chance to do what I had to do. and it fell nicely for me," said Hendry.
"I always enjoy challenges and this was another one. That's why I practice most days and work hard. It's what the game is all about."
Hendry will now move ahead of John Higgins into the second position on the provisional rankings no matter his result in the final.
"Of course it's important for me to get ahead of John again on the provisional rankings though Mark is too far ahead to be caught no matter what happens in the final. But I won't be thinking of that, all I'm interested in is winning another title," he added.
So far Hendry has won a record 32 ranking events and appeared in 46 finals. He is the 6-4 on favourite to beat Williams (11-10).
Doherty remarked, "It would have been nice to get to 4-4 as anything could have happened in the decider. I got off to a bad start and Stephen played well. He didn't do much wrong in the first four frames.
"It would have been nice to keep the run going since winning the Malta Grand Prix two weeks ago but I can't complain as Stephen was the better player tonight."

Mark J Williams (Wal)	5-1	Dominic Dale (Wal)
Scores: 24-64, 64-63 (57 Williams, 63 Dale), 82-75 (75 Williams, 70 Dale), 74-67, 84-1, 90-0 (90) Whoever wants to have a battle with Mark J Williams on a respotted black might need to think again now. The Welshman today proved he is the specialist in this territory as he won two successive respotted frames in this year's Thailand Masters semi-final clash against his fellow Dominic Dale. The drama started at the third frame in which Dale compiled a break of 70 to lead a comfortable 75-0. But Williams returned to the table and gained the maximum points by clearing all the balls on the table to tie the scores. He then potted a tough respotted black. In the next frame, it was Williams who took the initial lead 67-32 thanks to a break of 66 with 35 points still remaining on the table. Dale came back to scored maximum points and forced the respotted black. But once again the luck went to Williams as he chopped the black into the yellow pocket though his heart was probably in his mouth as the cue ball headed for a middle pocket, rolled round the jaws only to stay on the table. But who can forget Williams' famous respotted black victory was in the 1998 Benson & Hedges Masters final where he beat Stephen Hendry 10-9. Though the defending champion wrapped the victory in style with a break of 90 and reached his second consecutive final in Bangkok. He was the first to admit that the scoreline flattered him. "It was never a 5-1 result," said Williams, "I could easily have been 4-0 down at the interval so to be 3-1 ahead was nothing short of miraculous. "The two black ball frames must have taken their toll on Dominic. "Had the boot been on the other foot I would have found it difficult to recover."

Ken Doherty (Ire)	3-5	Stephen Hendry (Sco)
Scores: 0-127 (55, 62), 34-62, 17-111 (75), 5-76 (69), 54-45, 90-9 (50), 64-36, 37-69 (51) Seven-times world champion Stephen Hendry staved off a determined fightback from Ken Doherty to reach the final of the Thailand Masters in Bangkok. Hendry moved smoothly into a 4-0 lead with some decent breaks but missed a blue in frame five for a whitewash. Doherty then took advantage of his chance to move within one frame of the Scotsman. He was also ahead in the eight but Hendry won the tactical battle to set up a frame-winning break of 51 and a meeting with Mark J Williams. "I didn't feel as if I was under any extra pressure because apart from missing the final blue to win 5-0, I didn't really do anything wrong. I just wanted one decent chance to do what I had to do. and it fell nicely for me," said Hendry. "I always enjoy challenges and this was another one. That's why I practice most days and work hard. It's what the game is all about." Hendry will now move ahead of John Higgins into the second position on the provisional rankings no matter his result in the final. "Of course it's important for me to get ahead of John again on the provisional rankings though Mark is too far ahead to be caught no matter what happens in the final. But I won't be thinking of that, all I'm interested in is winning another title," he added. So far Hendry has won a record 32 ranking events and appeared in 46 finals. He is the 6-4 on favourite to beat Williams (11-10). Doherty remarked, "It would have been nice to get to 4-4 as anything could have happened in the decider. I got off to a bad start and Stephen played well. He didn't do much wrong in the first four frames. "It would have been nice to keep the run going since winning the Malta Grand Prix two weeks ago but I can't complain as Stephen was the better player tonight."

FINAL

Mark J Williams (Wal) 9-5 Stephen Hendry (Sco)

Scores: 33-83 (74), 64-1 (64), 48-73, 0-133 (111), 29-71, 87-4 (87), 25-79 (55), 70-52 (66), 132-0 (132), 77-46, 73-6 (67), 73-0 (67), 65-16, 66-44
Mark J Williams successfully defended his Thailand Masters title when he defeated world champion, Stephen Hendry, to collect the first prize.
Williams, 5-2 behind, won the last seven frames to become only the second player to successfully defend a Thailand ranking event, local favourite Wattana Pu Ob Orm completing the double in 1994 and 1995.
At the same time world No.3 Williams put his name alongside only five other players who have successfully defended a world ranking title in the game's history. The others were Steve Davis, John Parrott, John Higgins, Hendry and Wattana.
This was Williams' ninth ranking title and appeared to be his second victory of the season from the four ranking event finals he has played in. He captured the UK title in November and was runner-up in the Grand Prix and, two weeks ago, the Rothmans Malta Grand Prix.
But in a different story to the final in Malta, where he lost six frames in a row to Ken Doherty, he fired up seven successive frames after going 5-2 down.
Hendry, produced his 494th career century break of 111 in frame four, was impressed and said: "Getting to finals is no use to me but I can't take anything away from Mark. That's the best he's ever played against me."
The Welsh ace is now the favorite to be the world No.1 in next season. He leads his nearest rivals Stephen Hendry and John Higgins by 6,500 points with only two ranking tournaments left to play.
He said: "I'm not counting my chickens but the pressure is now right on the rest.
"If I play like that on a regular basis I'll definitely deserve to be world number one," added by Williams who also had a century break of 132 in frame nine.

Mark J Williams (Wal)	9-5	Stephen Hendry (Sco)
Scores: 33-83 (74), 64-1 (64), 48-73, 0-133 (111), 29-71, 87-4 (87), 25-79 (55), 70-52 (66), 132-0 (132), 77-46, 73-6 (67), 73-0 (67), 65-16, 66-44 Mark J Williams successfully defended his Thailand Masters title when he defeated world champion, Stephen Hendry, to collect the first prize. Williams, 5-2 behind, won the last seven frames to become only the second player to successfully defend a Thailand ranking event, local favourite Wattana Pu Ob Orm completing the double in 1994 and 1995. At the same time world No.3 Williams put his name alongside only five other players who have successfully defended a world ranking title in the game's history. The others were Steve Davis, John Parrott, John Higgins, Hendry and Wattana. This was Williams' ninth ranking title and appeared to be his second victory of the season from the four ranking event finals he has played in. He captured the UK title in November and was runner-up in the Grand Prix and, two weeks ago, the Rothmans Malta Grand Prix. But in a different story to the final in Malta, where he lost six frames in a row to Ken Doherty, he fired up seven successive frames after going 5-2 down. Hendry, produced his 494th career century break of 111 in frame four, was impressed and said: "Getting to finals is no use to me but I can't take anything away from Mark. That's the best he's ever played against me." The Welsh ace is now the favorite to be the world No.1 in next season. He leads his nearest rivals Stephen Hendry and John Higgins by 6,500 points with only two ranking tournaments left to play. He said: "I'm not counting my chickens but the pressure is now right on the rest. "If I play like that on a regular basis I'll definitely deserve to be world number one," added by Williams who also had a century break of 132 in frame nine.

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