As we see the start of the highly anticipated World Cup of Pool 2022, the duo of Jason Theron and Kyle Akaloo representing South Africa was set to face the ever imposing team from the Philippines comprising of the legend Efren Reyes and dangerous Carlo Biado. But then things changed drastically. Was this good news for the South Africans?
As the event got underway today, the list of players includes incredible names such as Joshua Filler representing Germany, the defending champions, Shane van Boening (USA), Eklent Kaçi (Albania), Jayson Shaw (Great Britain A), Alexander Kazakis (Greece), David Alcaide (Spain), Albin Ouschan (Austria) and many more. But there was a lot of excitement when we heard that we would see the return of Efren Reyes. Reyes was scheduled to play along his teammate, the dangerous Carlo Biado representing the Philippines.
As the draw was announced we are sure the South Africans (represented by Theron and Akaloo) gasped as they saw they drew the team from the Philippines. They were scheduled to play Reyes and Biado on Thursday 16 June 2022 during the afternoon session. But there was another turn of events on the cards for the South Africans.
Sadly as we approached the start of the event it was announced that the team from Philippines had to withdraw due to travel issues. One would say that this is great news for the team from South Africa, or is it?
After the withdrawal was announced, the organizers, Matchroom confirmed that this will see the team from Thailand taking the place of the Philippines. And who will be representing them?
None other than World Snooker duo of Thepchaiya Un-Nooh and Noppon Saengkham. Saengkham, who reached the Last 16 of this year’s World Snooker Championship and Un-Nooh, a World Snooker Tour ranking winner will now face the South Africans.
What will come of the latest developments? Will Theron and Akaloo continue their good form that they had on display during the UK Open? Will the duo from Thailand be able to adjust to the conditions that are very unique to a game of 9 Ball Pool? Will the excitement and crowd affect the team from Thailand who is use to the calmer conditions during a snooker match? Only time will tell.
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