Professional snooker player Noppon Saengkham made the difficult decision to miss the birth of his daughter in order to participate in the 2022 World Snooker Championship at the Crucible in his native Thailand. Despite being disappointed to miss such an important moment, Saengkham was able to video call his wife to see his newborn daughter and stated that everything would be okay. The 32-year-old snooker player has only reached one ranking final in his career but has defeated big names in the sport such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, and Kyren Wilson. One of the players he admires the most is four-time world champion Mark Selby.
Saengkham drew inspiration from Mark Selby for naming his daughter, Believe. He recalled Selby’s iconic words “Believe, believe, believe” during the 2017 World Snooker Championship final when he was losing but came back to win the match. Admiring Selby’s never-say-die attitude, Saengkham thought Believe would be a fitting name for his daughter. He expressed his fondness for Selby’s game style, emphasizing the importance of never giving up – a lesson he hopes to instill in his daughter as well. Saengkham’s decision to name his daughter Believe serves as a tribute to the resilience and determination shown by his idol, Mark Selby.
Despite missing the birth of his daughter, Saengkham remained focused on his snooker career, having defeated Luca Brecel in the first round of the World Snooker Championship and setting up a tie with John Higgins. He ultimately lost to Higgins 13-7 but remained positive about the situation, highlighting the ability to stay connected with his family through video calls. Saengkham’s dedication to both his family and his professional snooker career showcases the sacrifices and challenges faced by athletes in balancing their personal and professional lives. The supportive network within the snooker community and the inspiration drawn from fellow players like Mark Selby play a significant role in shaping Saengkham’s approach to life and sport.
As a professional snooker player, Noppon Saengkham has been on a challenging journey in the world of competitive snooker, having turned professional in 2010. While he has faced setbacks and limited success in terms of ranking finals, Saengkham’s ability to defeat top players in the sport underscores his potential and talent within the snooker circuit. By naming his daughter Believe in honor of Mark Selby’s resilient spirit, Saengkham pays homage to the values of perseverance, determination, and unwavering belief in oneself. His decision to prioritize his professional commitments while staying connected with his family highlights the complexities of balancing personal and career aspirations in the competitive world of snooker.
The story of Noppon Saengkham missing his daughter’s birth to compete in the World Snooker Championship sheds light on the sacrifices and challenges faced by athletes in pursuit of their professional goals. Despite the disappointment of missing such a significant moment, Saengkham’s ability to remain positive and connected with his family reflects his strong character and determination. Drawing inspiration from his idol, Mark Selby, Saengkham exemplifies the values of resilience, perseverance, and never giving up – qualities that have guided him in both his personal life and his snooker career. As he continues to strive for success in the world of snooker, Saengkham’s story serves as a reminder of the dedication and sacrifices required to excel in a competitive and demanding sport.
