A SNOOKER player once chose to participate in the World Snooker Championship rather than be present for the birth of his child.

Noppon Saengkham was competing at The Crucible in 2022 while his daughter arrived in his native Thailand.

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He had prevailed against Luca Brecel in the first round, leading to a match with four-time world champion John Higgins, who won by 13-7.

Despite missing the birth of his daughter, Saengkham remained positive, noting that he could video call his wife to see her.

At that moment, he remarked: “I’m very happy, my daughter was born yesterday at 7am UK time. I communicate with my wife daily.”

“I’ll connect with my daughter via video call, so everything will be fine.”

At 32, Saengkham turned pro in 2010 but has only reached one ranking final—the 2023 Scottish Open.

Nonetheless, he has defeated several high-profile players in the sport, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, and Kyren Wilson, alongside one of his main inspirations, Mark Selby.

Saengkham even used Selby as inspiration for naming his daughter, Believe.

Selby famously exclaimed “Believe, believe, believe” while trailing in the 2017 World Snooker Championship final—a match he ultimately won after making a comeback.

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Saengkham admired Selby’s unwavering determination and believed “Believe” was an appropriate name for his daughter.

He elaborated: “I was inspired by the moment when Mark Selby was down 10-4 to John Higgins in the 2017 World final.

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“He shouted ‘believe, believe, believe’ while the camera was on him—and then he came back to win. He knows that I admire him. I love the way he plays. His style is all about perseverance. That’s why I respect him.”