Ronnie O'Sullivan was highly amused by his eccentric opponent Dechawat Poomjaeng - comparing him to Mr Bean and tipping him for a future career in comedy.
Seven-time world champion O'Sullivan overturned a two-frame deficit against the charismatic Thai player to win 4-2 in the English Open on Wednesday. The Rocket rallied to claim four straight frames against Poomjaeng to set up a third round match against Martin Gould at his home tournament in Brentwood.
The world No.1 had breaks of 61, 69, 104 and 76 as he turned on the style in a match that had supporters in the Brentwood Centre entertained and dumbfounded in equal measure. O'Sullivan did not take the clash too seriously as he laughed with his opponent during an extraordinary first two frames. The duo both shared bizarre shot selections and outrageous flukes in crazy opening exchanges.
Poomajeng has become known for his fun, larger than life character and the jovial O'Sullivan was tickled by his comedic antics and facial gestures as the duo thrilled the Essex audience. And the 47-year-old likened free spirit Poomjaeng to Rowan Atkinson's famous comedy character after the match.
"I thought there was no point just trying to play straightforward snooker, let's just have a laugh," O'Sullivan told wst.tv . "I went for some doubles and trebles, some of them went in, crazy things can happen when you go for it.
"He's like a Mr Bean-type character, he pulls these funny faces and his mannerisms - he should go into comedy, he'd be a great character. I was enjoying just going for my shots and trying to make something happen."
Poomjaeng is a much-loved figure on the snooker tour and is back on the professional circuit for the first time in five years. Cheery O'Sullivan joked that he wants to be part of the unique world of Poomjaeng after their chaotic clash.
“Take me there Elon Musk – take me to Planet Poomjaeng!" he said. "I got well and truly Poomjaeng-ed in the first two frames, I was all over the gaff and didn’t know what was going on.
“There was a lot of smiling out there but you have got to enjoy yourself and have a laugh, haven’t you? I don’t know what it is about Poomy that makes me smile – wasn’t he making everyone smile?
“I fancy a go on Planet Poomjaeng, he looks to be having a great time – very happy. He is living the dream."
