Ding Junhui is the first person through to the semi-finals of the 2014 Dafabet Champion of Champions snooker tournament this evening at Coventry City’s Ricoh Arena, writes Ziad Chaudry.
The 27-year-old from China, who in the afternoon session beat Coventry-born Welshman Dominic Dale 4 frames to 2, was pegged back to an eleventh frame decider during his Group A final match against world number 5 Barry Hawkins.
Hawkins, from Kent, who came from 4-2 down, amassed an impressive 112 to take the match right to final wire.
But Sheffield-based Junhui, the world number 3, recomposed himself to make breaks of 31, 21 and 12 which was more than enough to win the decider 68-21.
“I had a good start, went 4-1 ahead, then he started to play some good safeties and he wasn’t missing anything,” said a relieved Ding.
“I had two bad safeties in two frames and his confidence was coming back. There wasn’t too much pressure today and I always believe myself that I can win.
“Tonight I did well with my concentration on the game. I didn’t feel too much pressure when he was coming back and making big breaks. Maybe he thought the pressure was returning to me, but what I thought was different.
“I will practise for the rest of the week but I will watch when I can and in the evening I will watch Wednesday’s group final. If it is Ronnie I play next, I will just play my game and try to beat him.”
Tomorrow action from The Ricoh features Group Two as World Champion from Leicester Mark Selby takes on the legendary Steve Davis while Judd Trump is up against Stephen Maguire.