May 24, 2008	Saturday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 18, 1429

KARACHI, May 23: Pakistan’s Saleh Mohammad, who is on a break piling spree this season, proved his credentials when he subdued Thailand’s No 7 Thepchaiya Un-nooh 4-1 to reach the last four in the Thailand ranking circuit snooker championship on Friday night.

He piled up a century break of 134, the highest of the tournament so far, in the last frame besides two half century breaks to post a 124-0, 48-78, 64-20, 62-1, 134-0 victory over his opponent who was at his mercy in the match.

According to information reaching here, he is drawn to meet Thailand’s Noppadol Sangnil, a former Asian runner-up, in the pre-final on Saturday. The latter had stunned celebrity and two-time former Asian champion, James Wattana 4-0 in the last eight stage.

Earlier on Thursday, Saleh had sent Thailand’s No 1 and former Asian champion, Supoj Saenia, packing 4-3 in the last 16 round match. This was preceded by his 4-1 triumph against Baworn Na Bangchang in the wild card round.

A former world No 2 Saleh created history by becoming the first player to score a maximum 147-point break at the Asian spectacle in Dubai recently. However, the title eluded him.

Result: (quarter-final)

Saleh Mohammed (Pakistan) bt Thepchaiya Un-nooh (Thailand) 4-1 (124-0, 48-78, 64-20, 62-1, 134-0).

Last 16 round: Saleh Mohammed (Pakistan) bt Supoj Saenia (Thailand) 4-3 (63-59, 94-17, 58-68, 9-82, 8-92, 77-28, 70-46).