Former champions meet in 2010 Snooker China Open final

0 CommentsPrint E-mail Xinhua, April 4, 2010
Adjust font size:

The champion in 2005 Ding Junhui and 2006's winner Mark Williams will clash in the final of the 2010 World Snooker China Open after defeating their opponent in Beijing on Saturday.

China snooker ace Ding produced an excellent performance to beat Mark Allen 6-2, while Welshman Williams came from behind to claim a 6-4 victory over Ali Carter.

Plenty of mistakes made by Allen sent in-form Ding into his third ranking final of the season. The other two are the final of the Grand Prix and UK Championship.

"Mark didn't play well, he missed some long balls and gave me chances," said Ding, who had a flying start by whitewashing Allen 127-0 in frame one. The 23-year-old home favorite then fortunately clinched the next one as Allen failed to put last black into pocket. A superb 137 total clearance in the third frame saw the home favorite led by 3-0. Though the Northern Irish fought back by taking the fourth and seventh frame, Ding sealed the victory with good safety and attack.

"Once I was 3-0 up I felt he had lost confidence. This season I have learned to just concentrate on the balls, and that has helped keep my mind clear. I will rest tonight and then try my best tomorrow," added Ding.

Williams reached his first ranking final in four years. The left-hander overcame a 1-3 deficit to pull back three consecutive frames. Though Carter levelled at 4-4, it was Williams who proved stronger in the closing stages with runs of 59 and 68.

"That's probably as good or even better than my first three wins," said Williams, "I'm happy with the way I dug in there and managed to win without playing well."

Looking ahead of the match against Ding, Williams said, "Ding will be favorite to win tomorrow, he's won a tournament already this season and he's playing in front of his home crowd. I don't feel pressure. It's just nice to be back in a final and getting a few ranking points."

Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comments

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter