Indian icon Pankaj Advani's bid for a return to the World Snooker Tour got off to disappointing start, losing 4-2 against China's Chen Ruifu on the opening day of Asia/Oceania Q School in Bangkok.

Advani is revered in his home country and around the world, with a social following of over one million on X. The 39-year-old is a multiple world billiards champion and played on the World Snooker Tour between 2012 and 2014, but hasn't competed as a snooker professional since.

Today's loss to Chen means he will now have to turn his attention to event two if he wishes to qualify. There are four spaces available over the two events. Chen couldn't cash in on the win and lost his next match 4-2 against Hong Kong's Yu Kiu Chang.

China's 2023 WSF Champion Ma Hailong got off to a winning start, beating Iranian former professional Soheil Vahedi 4-0. However, he subsequently lost 4-2 against Cambodia's Chhay Suon in the last 64.

Malaysia's Rory Thor won a tourcard via this event two years ago, he opened with a 4-1 defeat of Iranian Amin Sanjaei.

Event one runs until May 19th. Click here for full scores and the draw

Asia-Oceania Q School Day One - Advani Suffers Shock Exit