A showdown between Asia's two highest ranked snooker players, Ding Junhui and Liang Wenbo, will begin in a much anticipated all-Chinese clash in the second round of snooker's World Championship. 

Ding reached the World Championship final 12 months ago and will be looking to repeat his 10-8 win over Liang from the first round eight years ago. Ding is on a roll after dispatching 19-year-old debutant Zhou Yuelong in his opener earlier this week. 

"The fans in China and abroad are all looking forward to this match. We have not had many encounters before, especially in big events like this, so it should be an interesting match," Ding Junhui told CGTN. 

After seeing off Stuart Carrington in his opener, Liang began the week with just his third win. He is appearing at the iconic snooker stomping ground Sheffield for the first time as a seeded player. 

"Ding has a lot of experience and (can) control the table well, I need to do much better for today and just control myself." Liang said. 

When off the table, the two Chinese potters are good friends, practicing and dining together while in England, but both know that winning is the only option when it's time to rack the balls. 

"This is a match, and I think both of us will try our best to win. I hope to have a good performance at this special tournament, which will be a huge boost to my confidence for next season." Ding said.