Bradford-based snooker star James Wattana received a death threat just hours before a major match in Bangkok, it was revealed today.

Wattana was told to "be prepared to die" less than three hours before he lost 5-2 to Ken Doherty in the second round of the Thailand Masters.

The call, which was taken seriously, was made to Wattana's mobile phone from a public booth believed to be near to the venue.

He was given full police protection, but his mother, Ployrung, still pleaded with her son to withdraw, claiming it was not worth the risk to continue.

The anonymous call, which is under investigation, could well have been linked to an illegal betting ring.

Seven years ago Wattana's father was gunned down by an assassin in Bangkok while, some 6,000 miles away in Derby, his son compiled a maximum 147 break at the British Open.

"I told James not to play," said his mother, who was seen crying during the match. "This tournament just isn't worth the risk. I lost my husband and I don't want to lose my son as well."

After the match with Doherty, Wattana joked: "It was good that the guy asked me to lose. What would I have done if he'd asked me to win? Against Ken that would have been very difficult."

His father Kowin Phu-ob-orm, was shot dead in an argument over gambling debts. Two men suspected of the killing were later shot dead in a Bangkok street by police.

The Daily Telegraph snooker correspondent, John Dee, who is covering the tournament in Bangkok, said today: "We did not know about the death threat until after James had played.

"I spoke to him last night and he was very subdued. After the match he gave his snooker cue and case away - he was suspicious about it bringing bad luck. A lot of the players here are shocked at what happened but James will be moving onto China next week for another tournament and trying to put this behind him."

Wattana became an adopted Bradfordian in 1989 when he moved to the city from London. He is based in Allerton and practices there at the Cuedos Snooker Club.

In December Wattana, who spends half the year in Bradford and half in Bangkok, broke down in tears at a press conference after a shock 5-1 defeat in the Asian Games in Bangkok.

After a doubles defeat where he was representing his country, Wattana said: "The pressure has been unbelievable , the worst I have ever felt. I could not see straight, walk straight or think straight....it was that bad."

After last night's dramatic death threat, Wattana, who was the Thai Masters Champion in 1994 and 1995, lost his match.

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