‘Crazy’ Poomjaeng tipped for glory in ‘home’ city Sheffield

The manner of the Thai newcomer’s stunning debut win against world No 5 Stephen Maguire has made him the talk of the Crucible, and Ding knows him well as both men live and practise in Sheffield.

Few, if any, players have made quite the impact that 70th-ranked Poomjaeng managed during his first appearance on snooker’s biggest stage.

Maguire was more bemused than angered by his opponent’s antics, as 34-year-old Poomjaeng joked along with the crowd, grinning his way through the first-round match, offering theatrical apologies at the slightest bit of good fortune, applauding his own shots and even appearing to take on some balls with his eyes closed. In the deciding frame he knocked over the water next to his chair and referee Michaela Tabb had to mop up the spillage.

Snooker has probably not known such slapstick since Steve Davis starred in Morecambe and Wise’s 1981 Christmas special.

Chinese ace Ding said: “I knew that he would have a chance because I know he’s a strong player and he likes to fight for every ball.

“You can see him play slowly and concentrate very carefully on every ball. I don’t know how he can do that.

“Also, he’s crazy, a funny guy. He’s crazy all the time.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise to me if he won the title.

“It wouldn’t be a good time to play him at the moment.”

Ding joined Poomjaeng in the second round, as China’s big World Championship hope enjoyed a 10-5 win over Scottish veteran Alan McManus.

McManus, playing at the World Championship for the first time since 2006 but a two-time former semi-finalist, could not score heavily enough to seriously trouble the former UK and Masters champion, leaving Graeme Dott as the only Scot still standing in the tournament.

Judd Trump looked the part as the 2011 runner-up reached the second round with a 10-5 win against Dominic Dale.

Trump fired in breaks of 104, 73 and 61 to scupper any hopes 41-year-old Dale had of fighting back from his overnight 6-3 deficit, although the beaten Welshman almost snatched the sizeable consolation of a 147 maximum break, only to miss the 13th red in the 14th frame.

Trump said: “It was good. I felt really comfortable out there, relaxed and with no pressure. I think it showed in how I played.

“If I play like I did today I’ll have a good chance.

“I know a lot of people are saying that anyone can win it but in my opinion there’s only three or four who can. If that certain amount of players play well then one of them is going to win it.”