Judd Trump, the world’s number one snooker player, attended the funeral of 'Big Sin,' the legendary Thai cue sports figure who transformed the global snooker scene.
'Big Sin,' Mr. Sinthu Poonsiriwong, former president of the Billiards Sports Association of Thailand, president of the World Cue Sports Federation, and president of the Asian Snooker Confederation, peacefully passed away at the age of 91 on Saturday, 21 February 2026 GMT+7.
On the evening of 25 February 2026 GMT+7, at Sala 4 Sitthisiamkan, Wat That Thong Royal Temple, the second night of funeral rites was held. Judd Trump, the current world number one snooker player aged 36 from England and 2019 world champion, attended as a representative of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA). Also present was 'Thong Sis Choi,' Wathana Phuobom, a former world number three and beloved Thai player.
During this visit, Mr. Passapong Pitakpoolsin, former secretary-general and public relations officer of the Billiards Sports Association of Thailand, revealed that upon hearing the sad news for the cue sports and Thai sports community, he immediately informed Mr. Jason Ferguson, president of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), privately. Jason described it as a significant loss not only for snooker and billiards in Thailand and worldwide but also for the sports world, losing a role model in management and a visionary who systematically advanced the sport.
"With his long-term leadership and vision, and his development of snooker throughout Asia to reach the global level, Mr. Sinthu truly was the 'Godfather of the Snooker World.'"
During his 15 terms as president of the Thai Snooker Association, he propelled the sport to the forefront, organizing competitions at national level such as the Thailand Ranking events; regional events like the Southeast Asian Games; continental events including the Asian Games and Asian Indoor Games; global ranking events hosted in Thailand; the King’s Cup World Championship honoring King Rama IX; the Six-Red World Championship; and introduced snooker to the World Games as a step toward Olympic recognition.
He also promoted athletes beyond Thailand, fostering development across Asia toward the world stage. In recognition, he was inducted into the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association’s Hall of Fame in April 2016, becoming the first administrator (rather than a player) to receive this highest honor in cue sports.
The funeral rites will continue daily at 18:30 until Saturday, 28 February 2026 GMT+7, with the cremation ceremony scheduled for Sunday, 1 March 2026 GMT+7 at 15:00.