China's Ding Junhui (R) and Britain's Ronnie O'Sullivan shake hands after their snooker UK Championship in York, December 5, 2019. /VCG Photo
Ace Chinese cueist Ding Junhui scripted a sensational 6-4 win to oust home favorite Ronnie O'Sullivan at the snooker UK Championship in York on Thursday.
The round of 16 at this season's final Triple Crown event saw Ding spoiling seven-time winner O'Sullivan's 44th birthday party with his sublime form. The number one Chinese player made the Rocket's celebration anything but happy.
Earlier, Ding got off to a strong start, and dropped the pink into the corner pocket as part of an 81 break before claiming the opening frame. After also winning the second, the 32-year-old continued to excel with this pink in the side. The world number 16 then potted the last red on his way to a break of 110 and a 3-0 lead.
Ding Junhui (front) of China in action during the snooker UK Championship in York, December 5, 2019. /VCG Photo
O'Sullivan did little right in the first three frames, but that long red got him going in the fourth. He clawed his way back in the game and tied it at 3-3 at one stage. However, the defending champion trailed 4-3 after a break of 107 in the seventh frame. It was 5-4 for Ding soon and when O'Sullivan missed a red he just blew his chances to retain the title.
The Star of the East masterfully cut a red into the corner and went on to take an insurmountable 82-0 lead to secure a 6-4 victory, advancing to the quarter-finals against compatriot Liang Wenbo.