Wattana humbles Hendry in welcome return to form of old

It is not quite Mount Olympus. Hype aside, the Euro-Asia Snooker Masters Challenge is only an exhibition event. But for fallen demi-god James Wattana, reaching today's final at the Hong Kong Convention Centre is like entering the rarified abode of the immortals once again.

The likeable Thai, who achieved god-like status back in his country almost a decade ago when holding the world number three ranking, defeated favourite Stephen Hendry 5-1 in yesterday's best-of-nine frames semi-final to enter what is now unfamiliar hallowed ground for him.

'I can't remember when I last entered a final in a tournament, be it ranking or exhibition. It is an experience I'm going to enjoy. I will be going out tomorrow and just enjoying the feeling of being in a final. If I win, it will be a bonus and good for Asia,' said Wattana yesterday.

Wattana will meet Ireland's world number six Ken Doherty in the best-of-11 frames finale today. Doherty defeated an out-of-sorts Mark Williams 5-1 in the other semi-final.

Scot Hendry, modern-day snooker's Zeus - he is the only player to win the world championships seven times and is also currently the world number two - added further gloss to Wattana's smashing win when he acknowledged that he was beaten by the better player on the day.

'I know this is not a ranking tournament. But I never like to lose. Some days you have to be truthful and say 'I didn't play well enough',' said Hendry. 'I have no excuses. He played better than me.'

Wattana took an early 2-0 lead wrapping up the second frame with a massive break of 131, the highest so far at this tournament.