Maguire falls just short in Ding-dong UK final

Stephen Maguire’s bid for a second Betway UK Championship title fell agonisingly short after succumbing to a 10-6 defeat at the hands of China’s Ding Junhui at the York Barbican.

The 38-year-old – who won the second of five ranking titles at the tournament back in 2004 – was bidding for his first trophy since lifting the Welsh Open crown six years ago.

But Ding started the final strongly, racing into a 4-0 lead at the first mid-session interval having posted two tons and a 50 in the game’s early stages.

Maguire duly responded, however, by claiming the match’s next three frames to gain a much-needed foothold in a game that had appeared to be running away from him.

Ding – aiming for his third triumph at the tournament – made his second half-century of the tie to take the last frame of the afternoon session and stretch his lead back to two. And the momentum gained from that frame seemingly continued into the evening, as the former world No 1 claimed the first two back at the table to open up a healthy fourframe lead, only needing three more for victory.

Once again Maguire rallied and pulled one back in the 11th with a stunning century, only for his world No 16 opponent to bounce back straight away to leave him two away from the winner’s cheque of £200,000.

Two consecutive centuries from Maguire put him to within two frames of Ding, but his tournament high break of 131, and a final-frame 108 wrapped up the victory.

“Every time Ding gets in he seems to make a 100 so it was really tough,” admitted Maguire.

“I was really relaxed and I thought if I could get in I could do it, but it was really hard work out there.

“I’ve had a great week and the crowd have been great. I’ve competed with the best and I hope I can return stronger next time.”

• The UK Championship was live on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with analysis from Ronnie O’sullivan and Jimmy White.