Two moregolds added

Today's Sports News - Wednesday December 12, 2007

SEA GAMES / SNOOKER

Two moregolds added

HANIF HASSAN

It was another prolific day for hosts Thailand in the cue sports events as they captured two more gold medals to steer away from the rivals in the medals race.

The gold medals had been guaranteed on the previous night when the home cueists did well to make the billiards and six-red snooker finals all-Thai affairs.

First, Praprut Chaithanasakul edged Thawat Sujaritthurakarn 3-2 in a highly-entertaining billiards singles final to capture the gold medal in a deserving 1-2 finish.

The bronze medal was grabbed by Nay Thway Oo of Burma, who defeated Malaysia veteran Moh Loong Ho 3-1 in the third-place play-off.

With no pressure on either Praprut or Thawat, both produced a quality billiards final in which the crowd at the venue enjoyed breaks of 54 and 95 by the winner and of 54, 71 and 92 by the silver medallist.

In the men's six-red snooker final, Phaithoon Phonbun used his experience to tame compatriot Thepchaiya Un-nooh 3-2 to take home his third gold of the Games.

Thepchaiya, playing in his first multisport fest, did well to capture a 3-1 lead, but the Phaithoon hit back and took four frames in a row to spell an end his younger rival's challenge for the top honours.

The six-red snooker has been introduced in the SEA Games for the first time and has been well received by the participating countries.

Thailand top the standings in cue sports and the Philippines are in second place.

Bangkok Post