Ding Sets Up Thrilling Finale

Ding Junhui claimed the final two frames of the day to level at 12-12 with Mark Selby and set up a grandstand last session of their Betfred World Championship semi-final.

Selby overhauled a 5-3 deficit earlier today to lead 9-7 coming into this evening’s enticing session of snooker. The clash is a repeat of last year’s final and the eight frames tonight were also fit to grace snooker’s most prestigious match, with a blend of break building power and strategic prowess on display.

A stunning run of 128 gave the World Champion first blood tonight to extend his lead to 10-7. However, Ding hit back immediately by crafting a break of 95 to pull back within two. China’s number one then cut his arrears in half to trail just 10-9. However, Selby made a break of 64 to ensure he led by two at the mid-session 11-9.

The 12-time ranking winner Ding once again pulled within one, before a stunning clearance of 45 helped Selby to snatch an unlikely 22nd frame on the black to lead 12-10.  Last year’s runner-up then sensationally made back-to-back century runs of 117 and 128 to restore parity and ensure a huge session of snooker tomorrow afternoon. They will return at 14:30 and play to a finish.