Devastating Ding Storms Ahead

Ding Junhui produced a session of sensational snooker to establish an 8-0 advantage against Scotland’s Anthony McGill at the Betfred World Championship.

China’s top star Ding put on a relentless display of break building to sweep up all of the frames this morning and leave McGill trailing in his wake. The 2016 finalist looked to be in untouchable form, firing in runs of 102, 81, 126, 64, 75, 99 and 73.

At the close of play Ding, who lives in Sheffield, was given a standing ovation by an appreciative Crucible crowd.

Judd Trump and Ricky Walden are locked together at 4-4 in the final last 16 match to get underway.

The Ace in the Pack was on the verge of going out in his opening round tie, but came through a late night thriller against Chris Wakelin 10-9. Walden secured a more comfortable passage with a 10-6 defeat of China Champion Luca Brecel.

Following a first frame century break of 101 by Trump, it was Chester’s Walden who seized the initiative to set the early pace this morning.

The three-time ranking event winner took three frames on the bounce, with a top break of 90, to move 3-1 ahead. However, 2011 UK Champion Trump forced his way back into the match and eventually took the final frame of the session to make it 4-4.

Both matches will resume this evening at 7pm.