O'Sullivan says Ding is in 'a great place' as he chases maiden title

Thursday sees Ding begin the toughest possible last-four assignment as he tackles world number one Mark Selby.

Ronnie O'Sullivan is backing close friend Ding Junhui to become world snooker champion after his own hopes were snuffed out by the Chinese superstar.

The sport leans heavily on O'Sullivan, but in the Far East it is Ding who is the headline performer, and it was the 30-year-old who marched on to reach the Betfred World Championship semi-finals.