Noppon Saengkham Reflects on China Open Runner-Up Finish

Thai snooker player Noppon Saengkham, ranked 45th globally, recently achieved a runner-up finish at the 2026 China Open. In the final match, the 34-year-old athlete was defeated 6-10 frames by Mark Selby, a four-time world champion currently ranked 9th in the world.

Following the tournament, Noppon shared a personal reflection on his official Facebook page. He expressed pride in his professional journey, noting that the prize money from this event represents the largest check he has earned in his career. He recounted his humble beginnings, training at the Samrong snooker club with very limited financial support from his parents, and emphasized his determination to return stronger in future competitions, stating, "Someday it must be mine."

For residents and visitors in Thailand, Noppon’s performance highlights the growing international presence of Thai athletes in professional cue sports. His journey from local clubs to global stages serves as a point of national pride. While his performance confirms his status as a top-tier competitor, it remains to be seen how this result will impact his world ranking and his preparation for upcoming professional snooker events later this year. As reported by Khaosod Online, Noppon continues to express gratitude for the ongoing support from his fans.