Snooker: Parrott praises defeated Fu

JOHN PARROTT took the first step towards another triumph on foreign soil in Bangkok yesterday by beating a player he expects to make his presence felt soon.

Parrott reached the last 16 of the Thailand Masters with a 5-3 victory over Hong Kong's Marco Fu, but he was full of praise for his opponent.

"What a player he is," said the Liverpudlian. "I was extremely impressed by what I saw. He's going to be a real handful."

The Benson and Hedges Masters champion, Mark Williams, and Nottingham's Anthony Hamilton became the first two players to secure quarter-final appearances.

Williams scored a somewhat flattering 5-3 victory over Martin Clark while Hamilton reached the last eight of a world ranking tournament for the third time in his last four attempts by beating Fergal O'Brien 5-0. Williams now meets either Stephen Hendry or Tony Drago while Hamilton tackles Nigel Bond or Steve Davis.