Ding Junhui slumps to Williams 10-6 at China Open

Chinese snooker ace Ding Junhui had a chance to become the only player to win UK Championship and China Open in the same season. But the 23-year-old slumped to an epic defeat to veteran Mark Williams in the final.

Trailing 5-4 after the first session, Williams got straight back on level terms with a break of 81.

Ding opened with a run of 56 in frame 11, but missed a red to a top corner at full stretch. The error proved to crucial.

Williams exploited that fault and responded superbly with a 65 clearance to take the lead.

Chinese snooker ace Ding Junhui had a chance to become the only player to win UK Championship and China Open in the same season. But the 23-year-old slumped to an epic defeat to veteran Mark Williams in the final.

The 23-year-old battled back though, a clearance of 73, which pulled the match level again at 6-all.

Williams would burst out after and sank a run of 64 in the 13th and dominated the 14th, to open up a 2 frame cushions.

Ding potted 6 reds with blacks before running out of position as Williams took a commanding lead in the 15th. Ding snookered Williams, which wowed spectators.

Leading at 9-6, Williams built up a 52-7 advantage before closing out the 10-6 thrilling victory. Williams said Ding was a competitive contender.

Ding reiterated that he needed more experiences in dealing with key balls.

Ding Junhui, China Open runner-up, said, "I was not content with my performance. I sometimes lacked experiences, failing to deal well with positions, which cost me many chances."

Despite the loss in the final, the Chinese cue man has set his eyes on the upcoming World Championship.