The Chinese mainland's Ding Junhui booked his spot in the World Snooker Championship last 16 with a 10-7 win over qualifier Zak Surety at Sheffield's iconic Crucible Theatre.
Ding raced ahead by taking the first four frames and led 6-3 after the opening session. Surety answered back in style, becoming the first debutant at the Crucible to rack up four century breaks, including runs of 109, 136, and 110, closing the gap to 7-6.
Undeterred, Ding asserted control again by claiming the 11th frame, then matched Surety's momentum with an 86 in the 14th before sliding the match to a nail-biting 8-7. He sealed the victory with a 116 break and a 75 finish.
Ding praised Surety’s fighting spirit, noting he stayed on the offensive while he concentrated on scoring and managing the game's pace.
In other action, the Chinese mainland's Si Jiahui advanced past last year’s semi-finalist David Gilbert, winning 10-6. Si led 6-3 before Gilbert struck a 147 in the 11th, but Si pulled ahead to an 8-4 advantage and refocused after the interval to close out the win.
Both players will now gear up for their last-16 clashes. Ding faces a rising opponent, while Si prepares to face Mark Selby or Ben Woollaston.
Reference(s):
Ding beats Surety 10-7 to reach World Snooker Championship last 16
cgtn.com
