Ding Junhui of China competes during the Welsh Open snooker match in Cardiff, the UK, February 13, 2020. /VCG Photo
Ace Chinese cueist Ding Junhui's stunning unbeaten streak at the ongoing World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) Welsh Open came to an end on Thursday when the snooker star was beaten 4-2 by Kyren Wilson of England in the fourth round in Cardiff.
Earlier, world No. 9 Ding reached the last 16 by beating two Englishmen, Rickey Walden and Jimmy Robertson, quite convincingly raising hopes for a title win. However, when he faced another Englishman in Wilson he was up against an opponent, who is ranked one higher than him.
Wilson opened up strongly and won the opening frame 122-4 like a breeze. But then he committed a slew of errors and allowed Ding to take the second frame with a break of 86.
Kyren Wilson of England rubs his cue stick during the Welsh Open in Cardiff, the UK, February 11, 2020. /VCG Photo
Continuing his resurgent form, Ding then blanked Wilson 70-0 to claim the third for a two frames to one lead.
But Wilson gradually clawed his way back in the game and a break of 100 saw Wilson winning the fourth frame to tie the match.
Yan Bingtao of China competes during the Scottish Open snooker match in Glasgow, the UK, December 10, 2019. /VCG Photo
Subsequently, the 30-year-old, known as the Warrior, pulverized his Chinese opponent and went on to grab the next two frames in order to register a remarkable 4-2 victory to reach the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Ding's loss means Yan Bingtao is the only Chinese remaining and Yan will meet Scot John Higgins in the quarterfinals.