Ding under pressure to capture first world crown
Source: AFP |
April 20, 2013, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
CHINESE star Ding Junhui revealed he is under so much pressure to win a maiden world title that he wished he had extra-terrestrial powers.
World No. 9 Ding has never got beyond the semifinals of the world championships, the 2013 edition of which gets under way today in Sheffield, England.
And unlike 2012, when there were four Chinese players in the main draw, Ding will be his country's only representative this time around. That has only increased the expectations.
"When I play in China, people think I will win every tournament I play in. They say 'it is not impossible - you are human'. I wish I was an alien," the 26-year-old told the BBC. "But I'd like to be the first (Chinese player) to set the record. I want to play the best snooker."
Ding begins his 2013 campaign at The Crucible against Scotland's Alan McManus.
Ding's best performance here remains a run to the 2011 semifinals when he was beaten 15-17 by England's Judd Trump.
Last year, he lost 9-10 to Welshman Ryan Day in the first round. "I have pressure to win the world championship and I need to play well to win it, but that is not for me to worry about this time," he added.
Defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan goes into the tournament having taken a year out from the sport to consider his future. The 37-year-old admits his lack of big-match exposure over the last 12 months could make him a sitting duck.
"It's like my own reality TV show," said the four-time champion, who faces Marcus Campbell in the first round.
World No. 9 Ding has never got beyond the semifinals of the world championships, the 2013 edition of which gets under way today in Sheffield, England.
And unlike 2012, when there were four Chinese players in the main draw, Ding will be his country's only representative this time around. That has only increased the expectations.
"When I play in China, people think I will win every tournament I play in. They say 'it is not impossible - you are human'. I wish I was an alien," the 26-year-old told the BBC. "But I'd like to be the first (Chinese player) to set the record. I want to play the best snooker."
Ding begins his 2013 campaign at The Crucible against Scotland's Alan McManus.
Ding's best performance here remains a run to the 2011 semifinals when he was beaten 15-17 by England's Judd Trump.
Last year, he lost 9-10 to Welshman Ryan Day in the first round. "I have pressure to win the world championship and I need to play well to win it, but that is not for me to worry about this time," he added.
Defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan goes into the tournament having taken a year out from the sport to consider his future. The 37-year-old admits his lack of big-match exposure over the last 12 months could make him a sitting duck.
"It's like my own reality TV show," said the four-time champion, who faces Marcus Campbell in the first round.
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