Snooker: Wattana back from the edge

James Wattana yesterday clawed his way back from a large deficit against John Parrott, the former world champion, to make the quarter-finals of the Benson and Hedges Masters at Wembley. The Thai, who trailed 4-0 but fought back to win 6-5, said: "That's one of my best ever comebacks."

When Parrott won the first four frames the question was not whether he would prevail but if a rare whitewash was on the cards. However, Wattana, who had practised intensively during the fortnight since his opening match defeat in the Regal Welsh Open, re-emerged from the mid-session interval with renewed vigour. He fired in a 133 clearance to break his duck, won a scrappier sixth frame and put together contributions of 100 and 113 to draw level.

Wattana squandered an opportunity to move 5-4 ahead when he overcut a black off its spot at a crucial moment in frame nine and a relieved Parrott was able to gain the advantage, thanks to a 34 clearance.

Despite the setback, Wattana then confidently posted runs of 60 and 71 in the closing two frames to score an unlikely success.