Ding eyes snooker worlds breakthrough

File photo of Ding Junhui [Photo/Xinhua]

LONDON - China's Ding Junhui said that there is always pressure playing in major tournaments as the only top Chinese player but he still believes he can win the title at the upcoming World Championships.

He told the BBC: "When I play in China, people think I will win every tournament I play in. They say 'it is not impossible - you are human. I wish I was an alien."

"I have pressure to win the World Championship and I need to play well to win it, but that is not for me to worry about this time.

"I feel strong and not like the past few years when I have not felt strong enough. I will make it a hard game for everyone that plays me.

"I hope I can win the title this year; it would mean everything."

Ding, 26, is yet to reach a final at the snooker worlds. His best result came in 2011 when he was beaten 17-15 by Judd Trump in the semifinals.

His other five attempts since 2007 have seen him knocked out in the first round twice and the second round three times.

The world No. 9 will take on Scot Alan McManus in the first round on April 23.