On a night that mixed celebration with top-tier competition, snooker star Ding Junhui marked his 38th birthday with a spectacular performance at the Snooker Tour Championship in Manchester, England. Facing Wales' Mark Williams, Ding built an early 5-3 lead in the first session before unleashing a dominant second session, winning five consecutive frames and sealing the match 10-3 with a brilliant century break of 102 in the 13th frame.
Now ranked ninth in the world with 15 ranking titles, Ding's performance has raised excitement among fans across the globe and set the stage for a challenging quarterfinal clash with world No. 2 Kyren Wilson. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, illustrating the fine margins that define international snooker competitions.
The excitement of the evening was further amplified in an all-Chinese contest where Xiao Guodong staged a remarkable comeback. Trailing 8-7 against compatriot Wu Yize, who had built an early 3-0 advantage and recorded six impressive breaks—including a century of 100 in the 12th frame—Xiao clinched three consecutive frames to secure a 10-8 victory. He now prepares to face four-time world champion John Higgins.
Elsewhere on the night, English World No. 3 Mark Selby advanced after knocking out Si Jiahui from the Chinese mainland with a 10-6 win, setting him up for an enticing battle against Australia's Neil Robertson in the last eight. With dramatic comebacks and milestone celebrations lighting up the event, last night's action delivered a showcase of skill and passion that resonates with sports fans and global enthusiasts alike.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
