IO-2013 ...

 

 

Ding - Asian Growth Good For Snooker

 

 

China's top player Ding Junhui is delighted to see India stage a world ranking event for the first time as snooker continues to grow in Asia.

 

Ding has been a role model for the explosion of interest in the sport in China over the past decade, winning seven ranking titles and establishing himself as one of snooker's top stars, followed by millions of fans in his homeland.

 

Looking ahead to next week's Indian Open in New Delhi, 26-year-old Ding said: "I enjoy travelling to the big events around the world. It is exciting to be going to a new country and I hope snooker can be successful in India. It's great to see more and more Asian players doing well in our sport and I have been very impressed by the two Indians Pankaj Advani and Aditya Mehta."

 

"I have played in India once before, at the Asian under-21 Championship in Calcutta in 2002, I beat Pramual Janthad 6-2 in the final. I have never been to New Delhi and I'm really looking forward to going back to India."

 

World number five Ding goes into the event full of confidence having won the Shanghai Masters last month. "It was very important for me to win a big ranking event in China," he said. "I didn't feel any pressure before, but winning always gives me extra confidence."

 

"I'm very happy with my game and I feel it is stronger now than it has been in the past. My shot selection is better, I know when to attack and defend. And my safety has improved a lot which helps me to create scoring chances.."

 

The £300,000 Indian Open will see 64 professional players bidding for the title, including the likes of John Higgins, Mark Selby and Neil Robertson.

 

The £300,000 tournament at the Le Meridian Hotel in New Delhi will see 64 professional players bidding for the title, including the likes of John Higgins, Mark Selby, Neil Robertson and Ding Junhui.

 

Ruhr, Germany :: 05 October 2013

 

 

 

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Last modified: Wednesday October 09, 2013 02:08:10 +0530