Ding gears up to shoot 'Rocket' down

By Roy Wang (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2007-04-18 09:15

China's snooker sensation Ding Junhui is fully preparing for the upcoming Snooker World Championship. "I will take Roonie as one of my regular opponents." Ding said before taking off to England.

Ding's first match against two-times world champion Roonie O'sullivan (the Rocket) seems to be very tough since he just lost to the Rocket 3-8 in the final of this year's Wembley Masters.

But he didn't come back from the big loss later, stumbled in the second round against Hawkins at the Snooker China Open in March. "I felt tired physically and psychologically." Ding told reporters after the game.

To get himself in shape, Ding Junhui is practicing even on Sundays in England. His good friend Ren Haojiang is there to help him.


China's Ding Junhui reacts during the 2007 World Snooker China Open in the second round game against Barry Hawkins March 28 in Beijing. Ding lost the game 3-5. [Xinhua]
A British media however predicted Ding would be out in the first round. Ding seemed in his good form and was looking forward to his opener against O'sullivan.

Ding said, "I'm looking forward to the match, and I haven't felt nervous yet. I hope that I can keep my good form and bring it to the championship. I'll try to play my best."

Ding Junhui's agent Zhang Meng also accompanied him to England. He says Ding was out early in the China Open because he didn't have enough pre-game training. So this time they arrived in England two weeks before the championship. He hopes this will get Ding ready for the event.



Top Sports News  
Today's Top News  
Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours