THE Republic of Ireland take on Canada in the quarter-finals of the World Cup when the competitors resumes in Thailand today while second favourites England meet surprise quarter-finalists Australia.

Tomorrow Thailand after their great escape 9-0 whitewash of the United Arab Emirates last night, face the Welsh. Newport bookmaker Mark Bennett who reached the semi-finals of the Grand Prix at Bournemouth 10 days ago, takes Darren Morgan's place. Morgan's mother Cynthia died yesterday after a long battle against cancer.

In the last quarter-final Northern Ireland have the unenviable task of trying to stop tournament favourites Scotland.

England's trio of Peter Ebdon, Ronnie O'Sullivan and Nigel Bond should have few problems disposing of the Aussies even though their team includes Melbourne University accountancy graduate Robbie Foldvari who has the unique distinction of being involved in the longest best-of-nine, 11 and 19 frames. matches in the game.

Foldvari and Leeds-based cueman Ian Williamson once took seven hours and 14 minutes, including back-to-back 80 minute frames to complete a qualifying match in the 1994 British Open.

Joining Foldvari are Australian amateur champions Stan Gorski and Quinten Hann, once banned for 12 months by the Australian Snooker Association for spitting at the mother of a fellow competitor.

On the plus side Hann, now resident in Manchester, became the youngest player ever to make a televised century break at the age of 13.