China snooker ace Ding Junhui is in action mode ahead of his
clash against two-times world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan at the
upcoming World Championships. Getting past the former world
champion may be a tall order for Ding given his 8-3 thrashing by
the Rocket in the final of the Wembley Masters earlier this
year.
He has struggled to recover from this loss, crashing out of the
Snooker China Open in the second round against Hawkins. He later
complained of physical and psychological exhaustion.
To get himself ready, Ding Junhui has been practicing daily in
England with good friend and team mate Ren Haojiang.
British media are widely anticipating Ding's early shower but
Ding is looking forward to facing his rival.
Ding said, "I'm looking forward to the match, and I haven't felt
nervous yet. I hope that I can keep my good form and bring it to
the championship. I'll try to play my best."
Ding Junhui's agent Zhang Meng, in England with his protégé, has
blamed a lack of pre-game training for Ding's early exit at the
China Open. To counter this, they arrived in England two weeks
ahead of time to give Ding time to prepare.
(China Daily April 18, 2007)