Williams wins in China

Williams: hot streak

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Mark Williams won six frames out of seven in the evening session to beat home favourite Ding Junhui 10-6 in the final of the Sanyuan Foods China Open.

The Welshman trailed 5-4 after the opening session but dominated when the match resumed to claim a third China Open title.

Ding, who celebrated his 23rd birthday on Thursday, was chasing a second title in the event at the Beijing University Students Gymnasium after his 2005 victory.

But Williams produced a terrific fightback to deny Ding Junhui a home victory.

The 35-year-old was in trouble at 5-3 behind in the afternoon session but roared back to claim a 17th ranking title of his career and the first since he won the same event in 2006.

He collects £55,000 and will head to the Betfred.com World Championship later this month full of confidence and poised to clinch a place in the top eight for next season.

Ranking points

For Chinese sensation Ding, who has won more ranking points than any other player this season, there was clear disappointment that he failed to win in front of a large Beijing crowd.

However he lost his way after looking in superb form in the early stages of the match and Williams ruthlessly took advantage.

Ding made two century breaks in the first session as he aimed for his second ranking title of the season, having won the UK Championship in December.

He fired in an early break of 127 to draw level after Williams had taken the opening frame with a run of 110.

Two-time former world champion Williams edged 2-1 ahead but Ding reeled off three frames in a row, capped with a break of 116, to take a 4-2 lead.

Williams pulled a frame back before Ding constructed a break of 82 to lead 5-3 heading into the final frame of the afternoon.

It was a key one in the context of the match and both men wasted early chances before Williams strung together a break of 61.

Elite

Ding was unable to get back into the frame, and Williams, rejuvenated and firmly established back in the top 16 after a season outside the elite, ensured the home favourite would carry only the narrowest of advantages into the evening session.

When they resumed, breaks of 81 and 65 carried Williams into a 6-5 lead before Ding responded with a 73 to draw level.

But with the match in the balance, it was Ding who looked to be feeling the pressure and Williams who stayed composed as he reeled off four frames in a row to secure the title, decisively clearing to the colours in the final frame before triumphantly smashing the yellow off the table.