Sports
12:34, 14-Sep-2018
Shanghai Masters: Ding Junhui knocks out Mark Selby to reach final four
Updated
12:10, 17-Sep-2018
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Cheered on by a boisterous partisan crowd, Chinese snooker star Ding Junhui swaggered into the Shanghai Masters semi-finals by edging out world number one Mark Selby in a final-frame decider.
Ding started strong to put him in firm control of the opening frame, which he soon wrapped up following an error from Selby, but a visit of 58 was enough for Selby to level in a scrappy second frame.
A series of blunders quickly saw Selby fall 5-3 behind, but the three-time world champion, who struggled for form throughout the tournament, made a stunning recovery and battled to a 5-5 tie to force a deciding frame.
Ding Junhui (R) shakes hands with Mark Selby after the quarter-final of the Shanghai Masters on September 13. /VCG Photo
Ding Junhui (R) shakes hands with Mark Selby after the quarter-final of the Shanghai Masters on September 13. /VCG Photo
Supreme safety play from both players ensured an edgy start to the decider but the Leicester cue-man ultimately came up short as Ding took advantage of Selby's over-eagerness to claw back by sealing a thrilling 6-5 triumph.
"Selby is a top player who excels in testing your patience. I'm delighted I managed to play the game on my own by dictating the pace and tempo," said Ding.
He also revealed that he draws inspiration from fatherhood, most notably thanks to the devotion he has to his new-born baby girl.
"I've been away from home for a while and I miss my daughter very much. All my spare time in Friday will be fully taken up with her," he added.
Next up for Ding is another English veteran Barry Hawkins, who comfortably beat Welshman Mark Williams 6-4 in the other quarter-final.