O'Sullivan edges Ding at Snooker Players Championship

LONDON - Ronnie O'Sullivan took a narrow win on Tuesday as the six-time world champion edged out China's top player Ding Junhui 6-5 in the first round at the Snooker Players Championship.

The tournament, played among the top 16 players on a one-year ranking list, was unveiled in Milton Keynes, England on Monday as world number one, and defending champion, Judd Trump was knocked out by Stuart Bingham 6-5.

O'Sullivan was off for one day after losing the final at the Welsh Open to world number 81 Jordan Brown last Sunday. The 45-year-old trailed twice in the early stages on Tuesday but managed to establish an advantage at 5-3.

Ding fought back to force a decider but still could not prevent O'Sullivan from reaching the last eight.

Ding met O'Sullivan in the opening round at the Masters in January where he also lost to the Rocket 6-5.

Later on Tuesday, Ding's compatriot Zhou Yuelong also lost in the first round as the 23-year-old was defeated by Barry Hawkins 6-5.

Lu Ning of China was beaten by Neil Robertson 6-1 and the Australian ace will face Kyren Wilson in the last eight.

O'Sullivan will face Jack Lisowski in the quarterfinals.