The last 16 are set! Snooker China Championship: China scores 5 wins and 4 losses, Ding Junhui clinches 6-5 victory, will face Murphy again

On November 5th Beijing time, all round of 32 matches in the Snooker China Championship finished, with 9 Chinese players competing and securing 5 wins and 4 losses. Five players progressed to the last 16—three through derby encounters and two through external matches: Si Jiahui, Zhao Xintong, Wu Yize, Ding Junhui, and Jiang Jun. Notably, Ding Junhui was once in danger but ultimately defeated Heyfield 6-5 in a thrilling finish, earning a spot to challenge Murphy for a place in the quarterfinals!

As the defending champion, Ding Junhui showed dominant form in the first two rounds, losing only one frame to reach the last 32. In the round of 32, he faced world number 100 Heyfield. Under normal circumstances, Ding’s victory was expected, but he encountered a tough battle and nearly slipped up. Ding started strong, scoring two century breaks and a 50+ break to take four straight frames, stunning his opponent. In the fifth frame, Ding scored 54 points but Heyfield fought back fiercely to complete a major comeback. However, Ding responded with a 64-point break in frame six to take a 5-1 lead and match point. Just when victory seemed certain, Ding’s accuracy faltered, allowing Heyfield to win three consecutive frames and narrow the gap to 4-5. In the crucial tenth frame, Ding regained his precision and sealed the match with an 85-point break, narrowly advancing to the last 16!

Si Jiahui’s opponent was Gary Wilson, a strong player with balanced offense and defense. While many expected Si to struggle, he instead unleashed astonishing energy, dominating the match comprehensively. Si produced two century breaks and a 70+ break, winning six consecutive frames to shut out Wilson 6-0, creating a crushing defeat and advancing with unstoppable momentum!

The other three players advanced through internal battles. New champion Zhao Xintong faced Lei Peifan, leading 3-1 at one point but falling behind 4-5. Fortunately, he won two key frames to clinch a 6-5 victory. Jiang Jun had a fierce fight against He Guoqiang, tied 3-3 after six frames. Jiang then won two frames to reach 5-3 and match point, but He responded with two century breaks to equalize at 5-5. In the deciding frame, Jiang’s superior skills earned him the win with careful scoring, sealing a 6-5 victory. Wu Yize played against Zhang Anda, trailing 2-3 initially but dominating the later stages with a lightning-fast four-frame streak to win comfortably 6-3!

Written by / Sports Fiction