Chinese?cueist Ding Junhui suffered a second blow at the London Royal Watches tournament after losing to Scotland's Stephen Maguire 3-2.

The UK Championships winner opened his game strong, winning the first frame.

But Maguire powered to claim the second and third frames to lead the game.

Ding managed to level the score after winning the fourth frame before he lost again in the fifth and final frame.

This was his second loss in the tournament. He lost to Andrew Norman of England 3-2 earlier after an opening victory over world champion Graeme Dott 3-0.

Another Chinese teenager Liang Wenbo failed to extend his winning streak, losing 3-0 to Walsh Matthew Stevens. Liang has recorded two wins and two losses in the tournament so far and still has the hope of reaching the last 16 knockout stage.

Five cueists, including world number one Ken Doherty, have already booked their places in the last 16.

(CRI October 24, 2006)