Ding Jun Hui will tackle a familiar opponent for a place in the last 16
of the China Open after completing a 5-2 victory over Mark Davis at
Beijing's Haidian Stadium.
Ding, who is 18 on Friday, meets Peter Ebdon, his regular practice
partner and the man tipping him to become the first Asian winner of
snooker's world title.
"I beat Peter more often than he beats me in practice but this is the
first time we've played in a match so I will just try my best," Ding said.
He delighted a huge crowd by racing into a 3-0 lead with breaks of 66,
86 and 66 before giving his army of supporters cause for concern by losing
the next two frames.
But Ding clicked back into gear with a magnificent 135 total clearance
and easily won the seventh as well to secure victory.
"Everyone was hoping I'd win so I was under a bit of pressure. I need
to be stronger mentally."
Ding had originally entered the event at the qualifying stage in
Prestatyn two months ago but withdrew after being offered a place in the
final stages as a wildcard, which means he is not eligible for any prize
money, even if he wins the title.
Ding added: "In England my form was not so good but now I'm back in
China with my family and friends I feel much better and my practice is
going really well."
Ricky Walden, beaten 10-9 by Ian McCulloch in the final qualifying
round of the World Championship last week, reached the second round with a
5-2 victory over Pang Wei Guo.
Stuart Bingham secured a second round meeting with last year's Crucible
runner-up Graeme Dott by
beating local wildcard Cao Kai Sheng
5-1.
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-03-29 09:15
