Ding rallies to beat Woollaston in China Open

China's Ding Junhui recovers from an early 4-0 deficit to win the opening game against Ben Woollaston of England during the first round of the China Open snooker tournament in Beijing, March 28, 2012. [Photo/CFP]

BEIJING - Chinese wunderkind Ding Junhui came from behind to see off Ben Woollaston of England 5-4 in the first round of the China Open snooker tournament on Tuesday.

Ding defeated Woollaston twice before - in Players Tour Championship(PTC) Grand Prix and PTC Grand Final, but the former European Under-19 champion shocked both Ding and the home spectators by racing to a 4-0 lead.

Ding managed to level at 4-4 after the interval. Though Woollaston had a chance to erase Ding's efforts, he could only pack his cue to head home as Ding stroke a break of 73 in the final frame.

"I nearly burst out in the interval because I was really not happy about my performance," a stern-faced Ding told the press conference. "I'm glad that I had it under control."

Ding will face world number one Mark Selby in the next round as the Englishman booked his berth by easing past China's former World U-21 Championship runner-up Li Hang 5-0.

Ben Woollaston of England plays against Ding Junhui during the first round of the China Open snooker tournament in Beijing, March 28, 2012. [Photo/CFP]

Ding Junhui plays against Ben Woollaston of England during the first round of the China Open snooker tournament in Beijing, March 28, 2012. [Photo/CFP]