Ratchapol, who earlier this month made history by capturing the Asian crown for a record third time, was edged 4-3 by Issara Kachaiwong, ranked No. 2 in Thailand, at the Patchara Hotel.
Ratchapol has failed to make the final stages of the events number three and four of the circuit, which is co-sponsored by CAT Telecom and Sports Authority of Thailand, and he will miss the fifth and sixth, travelling to the United Kingdom for his return to the world professional Main Tour.
However, Ratchapol did not leave the arena without leaving an impression on his fans in Suphan Buri as he scored a fine break of 108 points in the fourth frame that failed to carry him to the next round.
Issara (pictured above) now takes on Pisit Chansri on May 26 and is the pre-match favourite.
Earlier in the day, Atthasit Mahitthi scored a 4-2 victory over young and talented Thanawat Thirapongpaiboon to set up a clash with the winner of the match between Indian wildcard Aditya Mehta and Suchakree Poomjang, which was to be played late May 24 night.
Englishman Michael Holt, up to the 24th place in the world professional rankings, spent only 60 minutes in the arena, recording a 4-0 victory over qualifier Thachchai Suksamran.
The last round matches of the tournament will be played on May 25 and 26 at the same venue. The first session gets underway at 11 am on both days.
Frame scores
Last 32 round: Atthasit Mahitthi beat Thanawat Thirapongpaiboon 4-2 (75(74)-27, 5-58, 78-26, 71-14, 16-56, 66-14); Issara Kachaiwong beat Ratchapol Pu-Ob-Orm 4-3 (71-12, 1-86, 75-40, 15-109(108), 18-56, 65-26, 59-38)
Wildcard round: Michael Holt (England) beat Thachchai Suksamean 4-0 (58-31, 59-26, 96(80)-16, 66-5) |
