Ding seals second-round spot

Former champion Ding Junhui wasted little time in booking his place in the second round of this year’s Maplin UK Championship in Telford today.

The Chinese ace, who beat six-time winner Steve Davis to land the 2005 title, was always in control having led 6-2 against Adrian Gunnell from the opening session of the pair’s best-of-17-frames match yesterday.

And although local favourite Gunnell did not let the 20-year-old have it all his own way, Ding was never in danger of not going through.

He now meets golden oldie Nigel Bond, a 9-7 winner over Dubliner Ken Doherty, in the second round tomorrow afternoon.

“I felt a lot of pressure out there today for some reason,” admitted Ding.

“I felt it was a bit intense and I missed a lot of balls, but I’m pleased to have won.”

Last year Ding’s preparations for the defence of his UK title were hampered by commitments to play for his country in the Asian Games.

The youngster won three goal medals in Doha, but the travel eventually caught up with him and he failed to produce his best form in York.

This year’s championship has been moved to the Telford International Centre - but Ding is sad to not be playing in York.

“My favourite thing about winning the title in 2005 was winning it in York, I really like it,” added Ding.

“I got lots of support from Chinese friends who came to watch me.

“I’m sad it’s not in York, but I would still like to do well this year.”

Gunnell had breaks of 50, 62 and 52, but Ding was always ahead and pocketed runs of 90, 60, 143 – the highest of the tournament so far – 70 and 46 to go through.