Ding Junhui made snooker history after he defeated John Higgins 10-8 to win the Pukka Pies UK Snooker Championship for the second time at the Telford International Centre on Sunday night.
The Chinese star claimed the £100,000 first prize and became the most successful Asian player by winning his fourth ranking event. This was his first ranking success since winning the 2006 Northern Ireland Trophy and only his third victory in 10 attempts against Scotland’s Higgins.
Higgins and Ding shared the first eight frames of the final during a marathon opening session. Neither player managed to build a substantial lead, but Higgins was left to contemplate what might have been when, leading 58-42 in the 15th frame, he missed an easy final brown.
Higgins was also in early control of the next with a 49 but he fluffed a comfortable red and Ding ended up clearing the colours to move within one frame of victory. Higgins responded with a 115 clearance, but Ding crossed the finishing line in the next with a run of 75 after Higgins fell apart on 27.
In addition to the winner’s cheque, Ding also won his body weight – 69kg – in pies, courtesy of the tournament sponsors.
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