Champions Celebrated at Landmark World Disability Snooker Championship
Title: The Historic Debut of the World Disability Snooker Championship in Thailand
Slug: world-disability-snooker-championship-thailand
Meta Description: Discover the highlights of the inaugural World Disability Snooker Championship in Nonthaburi, Thailand, where seven champions emerged victoriously.
Categories/Tags: Snooker, Disability Sports, World Championship, Thailand, WDBS
Content:
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The Historic Debut of the World Disability Snooker Championship in Thailand
Introduction to a Pioneering Event
The first-ever World Disability Snooker Championship concluded in Nonthaburi, Thailand, marking a significant milestone for the sport. Organized by World Disability Billiards and Snooker (WDBS) in collaboration with the Sports Association for the Disabled of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, this landmark event showcased the talents of 66 players across various classifications, including wheelchair, ambulant, intellectual, visual, and deaf categories.
Group 1: Swift’s Victory in Wheelchair Category
England’s Gary Swift triumphed in the Group 1 wheelchair category with a 3-1 win over Thailand’s Numpol Thongpusawan in a marathon six-hour final. Swift’s dominance was evident as he also achieved the highest break of 30 against compatriot Matthew Lester. This victory mirrored his previous success at the World Abilitysport Games, further cementing his status as a leading player in the sport.
Group 2: Loisaratrakul’s Triumph on Home Ground
Thailand’s own Surasit Loisaratrakul captured his first WDBS title by defeating England’s Dave Beaumont 3-1. Loisaratrakul’s consistent performance throughout the tournament, including a perfect round robin record, culminated in this impressive victory at home. Italy’s Fabio del Zoppo achieved the highest break in the group with a score of 35.
Group 3: Seekao’s Historic Win
Thanapol Seekao of Thailand made history by becoming the first WDBS world champion after a 3-1 triumph over India’s Shayan Shetty. Seekao’s strategic play, including a decisive opening frame win, secured his place in the annals of snooker history. He also set the group’s highest break with a score of 37.
Group 4: Gibson’s Ninth Title
England’s Carl Gibson added a ninth WDBS title to his accolades by defeating David Church with a 3-1 scoreline. Gibson’s impeccable form throughout the event was highlighted by his consistent frame victories and a crucial win over record champion Daniel Blunn in the semifinals. Church, despite the loss, achieved the highest break of 56 in the group stage.
Group 5: Raebankoo’s Double Success
Songkiat Raebankoo continued his winning streak from the World Abilitysport Games, defeating Anant Mehta 3-0 to secure his world title. The group was fiercely contested, with Pakistan’s Shazad Butt achieving the event’s overall highest break of 86. Raebankoo’s victory was a testament to his exceptional skill and determination.
Groups 6+8: De Bruyn’s Commanding Performance
Kristof De Bruyn from Belgium emerged victorious in the combined Groups 6+8, showcasing his talent by winning all but three frames. His final 3-0 win against England’s Lee Hague secured his fourth main ranking event crown. Hague, despite the loss, accomplished the highest break of 30 in the group.
Group 7: Rees’s Irish Triumph
Dylan Rees of Ireland defeated compatriot Colvin O’Brien 3-0 in a compelling final, capturing his seventh ranking title. O’Brien, the world number one, had previously bested Rees in the group stages, but Rees’s dominating performance in the final secured his victory. O’Brien achieved the group’s highest break with a score of 80.
Conclusion: A Stride Towards Inclusivity in Snooker
The inaugural World Disability Snooker Championship in Nonthaburi was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of WDBS, SPADT, and the Billiard Sports Association of Thailand. This event symbolizes a significant advancement in the quest to restore snooker as a Paralympic sport, offering a platform for athletes of all abilities to shine.
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