Ding Junhui took the final three frames to edge out Robert Milkins 6-5 in a pulsating clash at the Victorian Plumbing UK Championship.
The Chinese superstar arrives in York, a place where he has enjoyed great success, full of confidence. Ding delighted his home fans in Nanjing at the recent International Championship to capture the trophy and win a 15th career ranking crown.
Ding is a three-time UK Champion, having last won the event in 2019. However, that tally could be higher considering he was a losing finalist in each of the last two years. He lost out to Mark Allen in the 2022 title match and Ronnie O’Sullivan 12 months ago.
Defeat will come as a bitter pill to swallow for Milkins, who bows out in a decider for the second year running. The Englishman was beaten 6-5 by O’Sullivan last year.
It was Milkins who took the opener this evening, crafting a fine run of 82 to lead 1-0. Breaks of 51 and 52 then saw Ding hit the front, before Milkins stole the fourth on the black to draw level at 2-2.
The next two frames were traded when play resumed. Milkins then fired in a sublime 130 to move 4-3 ahead. He was then one from victory after prevailing in a 45-minute eighth to lead 5-3.
From there Ding managed to find top gear. He composed contributions of 57, 135 and 63 in successive frames to take three on the bounce and come through a 6-5 victor. Next up for Ding is a mouth-watering last 16 meeting with Shaun Murphy.
“Winning is all that matters. Whether you are struggling or playing very good, you just have to win,” said 37-year-old Ding.
“I have confidence to compete in matches. Even when I’m just making 30 or 40 breaks and playing some good safety shots, I feel good. It is different to how I have felt at other times.
“I always like playing here at the Barbican Centre. I think I have had the most success in my career in this venue.”
On the other table, David Gilbert scored a 6-4 win over in-form Xiao Guodong to clinch his place in the last 16.
The Tamworth cueman made his second World Championship semi-final at the conclusion of last season with a magnificent Crucible run. However, he is currently finding his feet with a new cue after a recent change.
Wuhan Open champion Xiao came into today’s game full of optimism after a burst of form which has seen him earn a place in the top 16 for the first time. Today’s defeat means Xiao will immediately fall out of that elite tier and he will miss out on qualification for the Johnstone’s Paint Masters as a result.
Gilbert fired in breaks of 54, 53, 72, 98, 53 and 63 on his way to this evening’s victory. He will now face Barry Hawkins, who defeated defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan earlier today.
Gilbert said: “It wasn’t great. It was patchy, but I felt good in areas. I can’t be too hard on myself because I’ve got this new cue. It is a brilliant cue, but I’m struggling with certain shots. They look awful to you guys, but I’ll get used to it and stick with it. I’m pleased with the win.”