Akani and Lim Capture Tour Cards

05/28/2024 03:26 AM

Thailand's Sunny Akani and Malaysia's Kok Leong Lim claimed victories at Asia/Oceania Q School event one in Bangkok to secure two-year cards on the World Snooker Tour.

Akani is a familiar face on the professional circuit, having reached two ranking event quarter-finals on his previous spell on tour. The 28-year-old originally turned professional in 2015 and competed for seven years, before suffering relegation in 2022. His attempts to return to the tour have been hindered by illness and Long Covid.

Akani faced Iranian Ali Gharagozlou in the final round this evening. After leading 3-0, Akani was pegged back to 3-2 before he took the sixth frame to emerge a 4-2 victor. That earns him a tour card for at least the 24/25 and 25/26 campaigns.

Akani said: "I was totally drained towards the end there. When I was leading 3-0, I knew I had to focus as anyone can come back and turn the game around if you lose focus. Hats off to Ali for coming back strongly. I'm sure he will be a tough contender in the second event."

Lim came through a nerve shredding clash with former professional Gao Yang to win 4-3 and earn his maiden tour card.

The victory sees Lim follow in the footsteps of Malaysian compatriot Thor Chuan Leong, who came through last year's Asia/Oceania Q School.

Event two gets underway tomorrow, with a further two tour cards on the line.

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