March 6, 2002	Wednesday	Zilhaj 21, 1422

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BANGKOK, March 5: Thailand’s world No. 34 James Wattana struggled into the last 32 round of the 2002 Singha Thailand Masters, beating Finland’s Robin Hull 5-4 here Monday night.

Wattana was 4-1 up before Hull knocked in some good breaks to level the match at 4-4 and pile up pressure on the home favourite. Hull had the advantage in the deciding ninth frame but missed a long ball that let Wattana steal the frame.

Local hero Wattana, who faces world No. 2 Ronnie O’Sullivan in his next match on Wednesday night, said after his match: “It was a difficult match, but these days every match is like a climb up the mountain. The standard of game is very high now.”

Commenting on his match against O’Sullivan, he said: “I would have to play much better than this against Ronnie. I know that I need to put in a 110 per cent effort, because Ronnie is such a good player. He doesn’t even have to be at his best to beat me.”

In the two last 32 matches on Monday night, Peter Ebdon routed Stuart Pettman 5-1 and Alan McManus hammered Lee Walker by the same scoreline. Jimmy White, who has a large following in Thailand, once again attracted a large crowd and he did not disappoint them on Tuesday afternoon.

White had breaks of 58 and 74 to put qualifier Stuart Bingham, the 1996 world amateur champion, on the next flight home. White played in his trademark brisk style en route to the 5-2 victory.

Extrovert Aussie Quinten Hann provided a major upset when he sent world No.14 Graeme Dott of Wales crashing out of the Masters, inflicting a 5-1 defeat Scottish stalwart John Higgins was also at his best as he routed qualifier Michael Holt of England 5-1 in their last 32 round match. Higgins entertained the crowd with fine breaks 138, 106, 82 and 66.