SNOOKER: CHINESE sensation Ding Junhui became the second player through to Friday’s Champion of Champions semi-final after getting the better of Stuart Bingham on Tuesday evening.
Ding beat Ali Carter 4-2 in the opening match of Group 3 while Stuart Bingham looked in good shape after beating last year’s champion Neil Robertson 4-2, recording breaks of 94 and an impressive 132.
Bingham won a scrappy 26 minute opener in the final, and then compiled a break of 94 to go 2-0 to the good before a break of 93 from Ding reduced arrears.
It was anyone’s game at 4-4 but Ding played to excellent frames with a run of 125 putting him the driving seat and then breaks of 45 and 44 clinching the win.
“I needed to take more time to think about the balls because sometimes with jetlag you need to take a bit more time to think about it and relax,” said Ding.
“When I was 3-1 down I was thinking, ‘just keep going’ because I knew I could score. I had to forget about the score and take my chances.
“Stuart was having the same problems with jetlag and concentration, so when I missed balls I knew it was okay and I could wait for my next chance, clear up and win the frame. I believed in myself that I could finish well today. After I made the century break I felt a lot better.
“It doesn’t matter how good or bad you play, you have to keep your concentration and keep working hard because a win is a win.
“I won’t practice too much before the semi-finals, maybe just an hour or two a day – getting rest is more important.”
