Jimmy White claims Thepchaiya Un-Nooh ‘can win any tournament’ after Scottish Open heroics against Mark Allen

Thepchaiya Un-Nooh “can win any tournament” if he finds the consistency to underpin his talent, according to Eurosport expert Jimmy White.

The 37-year-old has long faced criticism for failing to back up a string of impressive displays throughout his career, with his sole ranking title coming at the 2019 Snooker Shoot Out.

But after booking a clash with Jamie Jones in Edinburgh later on Thursday, Un-Nooh earned high praise from those in the Eurosport studio.

“That’s just magic. That’s why he’s all the fans’ favourite, our favourite,” said White.

“When he plays like that, it’s just magic to watch. And look how easily he won the match.

“If he can just tighten up where he’s a bit loose, play like that on a consistent basis, he can win any tournament.”

“Thepchaiya is very quick, so sometimes because he’s too quick he makes the odd mistake as he likes to get through them and pot all the balls,” White continued.

“But in that game there, the mistakes were minimal. He was very strong, his safety was good. Mark Allen didn’t really do anything wrong, but he just didn’t have a chance. This can be the magic of this guy. This is why we love watching him play.”

Alan McManus recalled playing Un-Nooh at the 2009 UK Championship, where the Scot fell to a 9-6 defeat.

“I remember playing Thepchaiya about 13 years ago [at the 2009 UK Championship], and he was a young guy making his way on the tour,” said McManus.

“I thought ‘this guy has got some game, he really could be something’. We all want him to do well and winning the odd title because he’s so capable of it.

“People wouldn’t be so hard on him if he wasn’t as good as he potentially is. It’s brilliant to see him play like that.”

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