Ding delivers again to reach UK final

SNOOKER: Ding Junhui followed up yesterday’s blisterting 6-0 win over Ronnie O’Sullivan by reaching the UK Championship final in York yesterday. The Chinese player had slipped down the world rankings of late but has rediscovered his best form at the Barbican Centre as he defeated Tom Ford 6-3 in the semis.

The world No 38 (above) whitewashed O’Sullivan in Friday’s last-eight masterclass and threatened to the same again when he stormed into a 5-0 lead over Ford.

The Englishman found some composure and reeled off the next three frames but hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the ninth frame.