More mature Ding plays down title chances

BEIJING - China's No 1 snooker player, Ding Junhui, is playing down his chances of winning the World Snooker China Open, which takes place from Monday to Sunday in Beijing.

"Everyone has a 50 percent chance to win any game. It's fierce competition and everyone has the ability to win," said Ding, 23.

After winning the 2005 China Open, Ding went through a lean spell at the home tournament as expectations and pressure grew. He, along with his family and friends, worked hard on his mental approach and it seems to be bearing fruit this season.