Ding 12-1 for world glory after Welsh Open success

DING JUNHUI is now a 12-1 chance for World Championship glory after returning to form and landing the Welsh Open
title on Sunday with a 9-6 success over Mark Selby.

The Chinese sensation has now won five ranking events by the age of 24 and his victory in Newport will tee him up nicely as he bids to claim his first world crownin April.

Ding’s win moves him above Stephen Maguire into eighth place in the rankings, which remain fixed until the World Championship, and should in theory give him an easier draw for the Sheffield showpiece.

World No. 1 Selby, who compiled a tournament-best break of 145 in the 14th frame and also lost a classic Crucible quarter-final clash to Ding 13-10 last year, is 8-1 third-favourite with John Higgins for Sheffield glory this time around.

Judd Trump is an 11-2 World Championship favourite with Ronnie O'Sullivan at 7-1. Neil Robertson is available at 9-1.