Success vs. Joy
- XIII -
The Numb Mind
Thirteen months later, there was another astounding incident, again featuring James Wattana as its central figure. Wattana was playing in the 1992 British Open in the English town of Derby when, on entering the venue, his manager imparted some terrible news – Wattana’s father had been shot at in Bangkok. Wattana did not flinch. He carried on, beat Tony Drago to reach the quarterfinals, and compiled a maximum break of 147 in the process. The same Wattana was now responsible for the highest break possible in the sport of snooker. A break of 147 is a feat likened to 10 wickets in an innings by a bowler. In the backstage dressing room, after leaving the arena to a standing ovation, he was told his father had died.
How did Wattana do it? The only possible explanation I can offer is that his mind must have become numb. The shock completely blanked his mind. He played as if he was a zombie. Whatever state of turmoil his subconscious mind may have been in, his cue delivery was at its purest. His mind did not waver even infinitesimally from
the present. That is the ultimate power of concentration.