Liam Davies proved again why he is one of the brightest prospects in snooker by stunning Noppon Saengkham in the first round of the Welsh Open, beating the Thai star 4-3 with a century in the decider.
The 16-year-old had only been playing in the WSF Championship in Australia last week, but battled the jet-lag to play his home event after being handed a wildcard.
It was a tough task against the Thai, who has been to two ranking semi-finals this year, but Davies pulled it off in style, coming from 3-1 down to pinch the win.
He made breaks of 81 and 65 before the superb 122 in the final frame to book a second round match with Robbie Williams.
It was ultimately a disappointing trip to Australia for Davies as he failed to win either amateur competition he played – the WSF Open and Junior Championships – so missed out on a professional tour card for next season, but without playing with that pressure he excelled in Llandudno.
‘It was an unbelievable match, neither of us really made any mistakes,’ Davies told World Snooker Tour. ‘By the time we got to 3-3, he was under pressure.
‘Australia was a stunning experience though my snooker wasn’t great. I really struggled with my game there so it’s nice to bounce back tonight. I put too much pressure on myself out there, I have to remember that I’m only 16 and I should just enjoy it rather than trying to get on the tour.
‘I feel so at home out in the arena, I am so relaxed and confident, as if I am practising.’
It was another 16-year-old, Stan Moody, who shone in Australia as he won the Junior title and reached the final of the Open Championship, and it is encouraging to see the progress of two impressive young talents.
Last year Davies became the first player ever to win the IBSF Under-16, Under-18 and Under-21 World Championships in the same year and became the youngest player ever to win a match at the World Championship when he downed Aaron Hill in qualifying, then did the same to Fergal O’Brien in the next round.
Davies is back in action against Williams on Tuesday night.
Davies practices with three-time world champion Mark Williams and Jackson Page, both of whom had great wins on the opening day at the Welsh Open.
Page beat Stuart Bingham 4-1, while Williams recovered from two frames down to beat fellow Welshman Michael White 4-2, after White missed a golden chance to go 3-0 up.
‘Michael was cruising at 2-0, then he missed an easy red on 62 in the third frame,’ said Williams. ‘I made two good clearances because I could easily have lost 4-0.
‘If I need a clearance under pressure I can pull it out. I think Michael will be kicking himself because that was a golden opportunity to beat me. The venue here is great, it was full this afternoon and it will be full tonight.’
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