Wattana was expected to defeat Englishman Dunn, who stands 65 places below him on the rankings and was making his first overseas trip in 10 years on the professional circuit.

But the world number 27 and local hero crashed to a 5-4 defeat after potting only four balls in the last two frames.

Wattana, 31, told the Bangkok Post: "Shame on me. There was a lot of pressure, I lacked confidence and concentration.

"I thought I was bad enough at the Asian Games two years ago but this performance was even worse.

"I have no form and no confidence. If I can only play like this I had better quit snooker for good."

Wattana said he may have succumbed to the huge pressure of playing in a televised match on his home turf, where he won the title in 1994 and 1995.

Sporting idol

"I may need surgery to create a new man," he said when asked whether he may consult a sports psychologist. "I really don't know what to do."

Bangkok-born Wattana took up snooker at the age of nine. He was crowned world amateur champion in 1988, turning professional the following year.

In 1992 he won the World Matchplay, beating Steve Davis 9-4 in the final - a victory which sealed his status as a sporting idol in Thailand.

In 1993, Wattana reached the semi-finals of the Embassy World Championship and lead Jimmy White 5-0 before losing 16-9.

The eighth player in snooker history to earn more than �1m at the match table, he achieved a highest world ranking of three in 1994-95.

Wattana reached the final four of the Embassy again in 1997, losing 17-3 to Stephen Hendry, but has since seen his fortunes decline.

Problems with his eyesight have helped to undermine his confidence, and he even resorted to going on a religious retreat last summer, all to no avail.