China

Ding cues top ranking after China open

By Liu Shanshan (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-04-08 17:14

Chinese snooker Ding Junhui plays during the China Open tournament in Beijing, March 29, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese snooker ace Ding Junhui has entered the top three after the China Open tournament, according to a new ranking released by snooker's world governing body on Friday.

Related readings:  Birthday boy Ding celebrates with good win  Chinese ace Ding advances into China Open quarterfinals  Ding Junhui suffers opening loss at Hainan Snooker Classic  Top snooker players in Hainan showdown  Ding lifts title at Snooker Masters

Ding surpassed John Higgins to third place in the latest ranking of the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF), putting the world No 1 title in the upcoming Sheffield World Championships in England in clear sight.

A semifinal spot in the latest China open tournament has credited Ding with 4,480 points, his best result in this season's ranking events, though he failed to qualify for the finals after losing to England's powerhouse Mark Selby, who is ahead of Ding in the new ranking.

Another Chinese snooker player Marco Fu from Hong Kong is facing a grim situation as he dropped to No 22 after the tournament.