Akani relieved after 6-red win over Liang

Akani relieved after 6-red win over Liang

Thailand's Akani Songsermsawad lines up a shot against China's Liang Wenbo.
Thailand's Akani Songsermsawad lines up a shot against China's Liang Wenbo.

Thailand's new kid on the block, 21-year-old year Akani Songsermsawad, completed his third successive victory in the group stages of the SangSom 6-red World Championship at Central Plaza Lardprao yesterday.

The former Asian U21 champion raced to an extraordinary 5-3 success after losing the first three frames to China's Liang Wenbo, the world No.19 and runner-up in the 2015 6-red tournament.

Akani's recovery followed a 10-minute escape to the restroom where he took refuge following Liang's opening onslaught which was highlighted by breaks of 69, 55 and 52.

The Thai hardly had time to think straight as his opponent dominated the contest and left him pointless in two of the first three frames.

But the toilet visit, sanctioned by referee Thanin Phutmonthon, worked wonders as the exchanges were reversed for the remaining five frames and the match turned upside down.

Akani's confidence returned after he won the fourth frame on the pink following a clearance of 38.

Liang by now was looking nervous and he was punished for every mistake he made as Akani took centre stage.

Nicknamed Sunny, Akani finished off the proceedings with successive breaks of 58, 48 and 70 with Liang, runner-up to Neil Robertson in the 2015 UK Championship, unable to pot a ball.

"I didn't feel any pressure at all facing Wenbo and that probably due to the fact I was the underdog," Akani said.

The left-hander faces two of the lesser lights to complete his group matches today and tomorrow.

They are Chou Hon Man of Hong Kong and Egyptian Basem Eltahhan. Progress into the last 16 would appear to be a formality for the Bangkokian.

But fellow Thai Ratchapol Pu-Ob-Orm, known on the international stage as James Wattana, may have to win his last group match against Darren Morgan today to reach the knockout stages. Even then that might not be enough to keep him in the championship.

Defending champion Thepchaiya Un-Nooh remains unbeaten after four matches.

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