Robertson stunned, Ding ends first-round elimination at China Open

Ding Junhui of China plays a shot against Markus Campbell of Scotland during the first round of 2015 World Snooker China Open in Beijing, March 30, 2015. [Photo/IC]

BEIJING - Former world champion Neil Robertson was bundled out of the China Open snooker tournament in the first round on Monday, while local favorite Ding Junhui beat first-round elimination jinx.

Robertson was 4-2 ahead before his Thai opponent Dechawat Poomjaeng managed back two frames including a 74-point shot.

Robertson once again missed a key long-shot black to see Poomjaeng snatch back the victory at 69-64 in the last frame.

"It's a good result, or I can go home and prepare for the worlds," said Robertson, shrugging off the defeat.

"For me, the result is winning the tournament. I don't really care about final or semifinals or trying to get a good round before the World Championships."

The top sixteen seeds will automatically qualify for the first round of the World Championship, which will start on April 18 at The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England.

Ding finally progressed through the first round, after bowing out at the first hurdle at six ranking tournaments in a row.

Ding had a 3-0 lead before Marcus Campbell took one frame back 77-34. Both players suffered a long-lasting fifth frame until Ding established the 4-1 lead, then he hit a 50 and a 58 break respectively to win 108-16 in the sixth one.

"My opponents played better than they usually did," said Ding about his first-round woes.

"But that's part of the reason. I myself also had something to blame.

"I know I will win one day because I had the capacity," he added.