Ding warms up for Shanghai
Ding Junhui is in good form on the Chinese Professional tour, just a few weeks ahead of the Shanghai Masters
Chinese snooker ace Ding Junhui has advanced to the semi finals of the Zhengzhou stage of the Chinese Professional Snooker Tour.
It wasn't such a good day for defending champion Liang Wenbo, who was eliminated by, an as yet unknown, Chinese player Cui Ming.
After defeating Anda Zhang the previous day, Ding was taking on Li Yan in the quarter final.
Seventeen year old Li Yan has had some impressive results this season and was a semi finalist in the recent IBSF World Under 21 Championship, narrowly losing 7-6 to Soheil Vahedi.
Ding got off to a smooth start, taking the first frame with a break of 72.
He did even better in the second frame, with a run of 92 for an early two frame lead.
The third frame should have gone to Li Yan (pictured), but a costly mistake would give Ding the opportunity to come back.
Ding went on to win the final frame to sweep Li 4-0.
The sailing, wasn't as smooth however, for top seed and defending champion Liang Wenbo. Liang's opponent was Cui Ming, who sits at 42 in the Chinese rankings.
Facing a weaker opponent, Liang didn't perform up to his level, often making simple mistakes.
Cui Ming, on the other hand, was in great form and played with confidence. He resisted a late attack by Liang to eventually defeat him 4-2.
Cui Ming said, "I didn't expect to win myself.
"Right up till the end of the match I couldn't imagine winning. I just played my game. Gradually my desire to win became stronger and I am so happy with this victory."
