Ding Junhui secured a 9-6 victory over compatriot Xu Si to reach the final of the International Championship in Nanjing where he will face Chris Wakelin. The match was marked by intense competition, particularly during the first session when Xu took an early lead, showcasing impressive breaks of 137 and 113. Ding a three-time UK Championship winner managed a top break of 119 during this session but trailed 5-3 by the end of it.
In the evening session, Ding staged a comeback, winning the first three frames to turn the score to 6-5 in his favor. Xu responded by leveling the match at 6-6, setting up a dramatic conclusion. Ding then managed to edge ahead by claiming the next two frames which included a critical, hard-fought 66 in the 14th frame, putting him in the driver’s seat at 8-6.
With mounting pressure, Ding maintained his composure and produced a break of 58 to close out the match securing his first final appearance in a ranking event since his UK Championship win in 2019. The 37-year-old’s victory marks a significant moment as he seeks to end a ranking title drought and reestablish himself as a contender on the international stage.
Xu’s impressive early performance and Ding’s determined comeback showcased the high-level skill present in Chinese snooker. The upcoming final between Ding and Wakelin promises an exciting contest as Ding aims for another title in his career resurgence.
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