Ding sees off the young pretender to book final spot
Ding Junhui yesterday booked his place in today’s UK Championship final with a 6-2 win over compatriot Yan Bingtao.
The world No. 16 flew out of the traps in York and hit three half-century breaks as he reeled off the first three frames.
Bingtao hit back to take the fourth, before Ding extended his lead once again. But teenager Bingtao was not overawed by the occasion and made a fantastic break of 95 to make it 4-2.
Ding eased his way over the line with two more half-century breaks and will play the winner of the second semi-final between Mark Allen and Stephen Maguire in his third final appearance at the tournament.
“It was a tough game,” Ding admitted. “He beat John Higgins so I knew he must be confident.
“I was concerned when I made a big mistake at 4-1 up, but I tried to forget it and look for a chance.
“I’m playing my snooker and it’s good to have it back, and I’m getting better.”
The clash between China’s top two players was estimated to have an audience in the tens of millions across TV and online in their home country.
The experienced Ding first lifted the trophy in 2005, when Yan was just five years old, and has gone on to claim 13 ranking titles in his career - the most recent of them at the World Open in September 2017.
Meanwhile, Ronnie O’Sullivan (inset) has withdrawn from the Masters in January due to personal reasons.
The 44-year-old, who has won the event seven times, will be replaced by world number 17 Ali Carter.
The Masters features the top 16 players in the world rankings and takes place at London’s Alexandra Palace from January 12 to 19.
A statement from World Snooker said: “Ronnie O’Sullivan has pulled out of next month’s Dafabet Masters for personal reasons.
“The world’s top 16 players qualify for the event. But O’Sullivan has decided not to take his place.
“The player ranked 17th, Ali Carter, will now qualify.
“The draw for the first round will be made on Sunday afternoon during the mid-session interval of the Betway UK Championship final.”
O’Sullivan was beaten 10-4 by Judd Trump in the 2019 Masters final.