By Richard Preen

World Ranking:
Date Of Birth: 17/01/70
Form: R48/R48/R48/R48/R48
World Championship best: Semi-finalist – two times

The Thai-Phoon from Bangkok, although now residing in Bradford, returns to the crucible after progressing through the qualifiers against talented youngster Mark Selby.

He reclaimed some of his old form in his performance and will be eager to transfer that to the first round proper when he faces Jimmy White.

It will be the second time Wattana has faced White at the Crucible after previously clashing in the 1993 semi-finals.

On that occasion Wattana stormed into a 5-0 lead but White produced a sterling performance to eventually triumph 16-9.

Wattana again reached the World semi-finals in 1997 this time providing stronger opposition to Stephen Hendry but again faltering and exiting 17-13.

He has three professional events to his name.

His achievements at the table have been rewarded away from it when he was made a Commander third class of the Most Noble Order of the Crown in Thailand.

This is rare honour for a Thai sportsman but it recognised the Far East's increased interest in the game that had arisen from Wattana's high profile position within snooker.

He still remains a national hero in his native land and millions regularly tune in when Wattana makes a television appearance.

Wattana's progression in the World Championship qualifiers has been the one salvation in a difficult season for the Thai-phoon.

He has experienced mainly first match exits and has struggled to find any sort of fluency.

His provisional ranking position has plummeted from 32 to 40 and will require strong performance here to rescue it.