James Wattana
Awards & Honours
8
Awards Won
2
Honours
2
Rankings
3
Records
James Wattana's achievements are historic for Asian snooker. He was the first Asian player to reach the top of the sport, climbing to world No. 3 in the 1994–95 season. His three ranking titles, two World Championship semi-finals, and three maximum breaks place him among the elite players of his era. He was the eighth player ever to surpass £1 million in career prize money, a milestone that underscored his consistency and longevity. Wattana's gold medals at the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games, spanning 25 years, show his enduring competitive spirit. His success inspired a generation of Thai and Asian players, paving the way for stars like Ding Junhui.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Asian snooker pioneer
Credited as the first Asian player to achieve global prominence in professional snooker.
National hero status in Thailand
Household name in Thailand, inspiring a generation of Thai players.
Rankings & Lists
World No. 3
Eighth player to earn £1 million+ in prize money
Records & Feats
Fastest maximum break at the time
Scored a 147 at the 1991 British Open in 7 minutes 9 seconds, the fastest ever recorded at that time.
First Asian player to reach world No. 3
Became the highest-ranked Asian player in snooker history when he reached world No. 3 in the 1994–95 season.
Eighth player to earn £1 million in prize money
Was the eighth professional player ever to surpass £1 million in career prize money.