Thai potter Sunny Akani will return to the professional World Snooker Tour after a 4-2 win over Ali Galagozloo at the Asia Oceania Q School in Bangkok.
“When we were leading 3-0 we knew we had to stay focused because if we lost concentration anyone could come back. Hats off to Ali for coming back so strong.”
“I’m sure he will be a tough opponent in the second race.”
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Kok Leong Lim defeated former world number 72 Gao Yang 4-3 to claim his second tour card in the inaugural tournament.
O’Sullivan trailed 4-2 and 5-4 but recovered to get over the line and celebrate a long pot from his opponent.
Akani, 28, reached a peak world ranking of 44 in 2021 and reached the quarterfinals at the Shootout and Indian Open.
But he lost his tour card for 2022 and failed to regain his circuit status at Q School two years ago.
The Asia Oceania Qualifying School kicked off on May 22 at the Rajamangala National Stadium with the second round of qualifying events running until Sunday, with two tournaments to determine four places for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 circuits.