More mature Ding plays down title chances

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-03-30 09:10

BEIJING - China's No 1 snooker player, Ding Junhui, is playing down his chances of winning the World Snooker China Open, which takes place from Monday to Sunday in Beijing.

"Everyone has a 50 percent chance to win any game. It's fierce competition and everyone has the ability to win," said Ding, 23.

After winning the 2005 China Open, Ding went through a lean spell at the home tournament as expectations and pressure grew. He, along with his family and friends, worked hard on his mental approach and it seems to be bearing fruit this season.

"I am feeling more relaxed now after a long period of ups and downs. I will focus on every single game and enjoy it. I will not think about anything else," Ding said.

A more mature Ding has started the 2009/10 season well. He reached the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters and the final of the Grand Prix event at Kelvin Hall, Glasgow. He then went on to defeat John Higgins in the final (10-8) of the UK Championship to win his second crown.

"I learned how to separate my life and the game. I'm not distracted by anything outside of the table."

Ding opens his campaign today against Northern Ireland's Gerard Greene and is drawn to meet arch-rival Mark Selby from England, who today faces a wild-card player, in the second round.

The China Open features the world's top 16 players, including popular stars like world No 1 Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, world champion John Higgins and Hong Kong's Marco Fu.

Peter Ebdon is the defending champion and faces Judd Trump in his opening match.