2024 World Grand Prix: Ding Junhui Aims for His Season's Inaugural Ranking Title

In a first round encounter at the 2024 Spreadex World Grand Prix, Ding Junhui asserted his dominance from the start, notching a sublime 63 break in the opening frame, setting the tone for a thrilling contest. In the second frame, Ding's strategic prowess shone as he engaged in an intense safety battle, snookering Walden three times and securing a narrow two-frame lead.

The third frame witnessed Walden's determined response with a commendable 55 break, leveling the score at 2-2 after a scrappy fourth frame where both players missed easy reds. In a pivotal fifth frame, Walden capitalized on Ding's errors, executing a brilliant clearance of 64 to take the lead for the first time. However, Ding showcased unwavering confidence in the sixth, unleashing a commanding 70 break and forcing a one-frame shootout.

Known for his consistency, Ding displayed nerves of steel in the decisive seventh frame. Despite a slight mishap on the black ball, he recovered without conceding to Walden. With determination, the Chinese snooker star returned to the table, pinching the last frame, and sealing a hard-fought 4-3 victory in this gripping encounter.

In an exclusive post-match interview with SportsBoom, Ding Junhui shared his thoughts on the game, acknowledging Walden's determined effort. "He really tried to win the game. He's put his everything in," said Ding, highlighting the competitive nature of the encounter. Ding's strategic approach played a crucial role, with his openness allowing him to capitalize on half-chances when they arose.

The interview delved into a pivotal moment in the match – a missed black ball by Ding in the last frame. However, the Chinese snooker sensation turned a potential setback into a stroke of luck. "When I hit the black ball and thought I made a massive error, but it landed in a safe position behind two red balls. We just shook hands and laughed about my luck," Ding shared, displaying a sportsmanlike spirit in the face of uncertainty.

Reflecting on his overall performance this year, Ding Junhui expressed confidence in his form and hinted at a strong desire to secure his first ranking title of the year. "My aim is always to win the tournament," he emphasized, showcasing his focus on taking one match at a time and giving his best on match days.

As the conversation shifted to Ding Junhui's past performances at the Crucible, the snooker star revealed a subtle change in his approach this year. "This season just changed a little bit much better. I’m not sure what it is, finally, it's just the feeling back," Ding disclosed, hinting at a renewed sense of confidence and comfort in his game.

Despite the challenges of the past few years, Ding Junhui remained resilient. "I always bounce back. Bouncing back to the top is what I do. I keep practicing, which I don’t normally do", he affirmed, emphasising his changed commitment to the sport and his new belief in the power of consistent practice.

Addressing the prospect of facing snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan, Ding acknowledged the unique challenge. "He doesn't make mistakes, but when you put pressure on other players, they can. That's what's different; you can't put pressure on Ronnie to make a mistake," Ding remarked, highlighting the mental fortitude required when playing against top-tier opponents.

Addressing the formidable prospect of facing snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan, Ding Junhui candidly acknowledged the unique challenge that comes with competing against one of the sport's all-time greats. Ding emphasised O'Sullivan's renowned ability to avoid making mistakes, creating a distinctive dynamic on the table. "He doesn't make mistakes, but when you put pressure on other players, they can. That's what's different; you can't put pressure on Ronnie to make a mistake," Ding remarked, shedding light on the mental fortitude required when engaging with top-tier opponents.

Interestingly, in the snooker world, the rivalry between Ali Carter and Ronnie O'Sullivan has been a contrasting narrative. Carter, known for his competitive spirit, has engaged in heated face-offs with O'Sullivan on various occasions, with the most recent happening in the recent Masters final. 

In contrast, Ding Junhui has maintained a different approach in his encounters with the Rocket. Despite the inherent challenges posed by O'Sullivan's unparalleled skill, Ding has successfully navigated the competition without succumbing to heated confrontations. This divergence in approach showcases Ding Junhui's commitment to maintaining a professional and focused demeanour on the snooker table. While other players may find themselves in intense exchanges with O'Sullivan, Ding's strategic mindset and disciplined approach have allowed him to navigate the unique challenges posed by facing The Rocket.