Chinese snooker star Ding Junhui defeated his rival Chen Junhao 5-1 in the first round of China's? Championship of Professional Snooker in Yixing, Jiangsu Province on Saturday.

Being able to compete for the first time in his hometown for the first time, Ding, the world snooker champion, is well prepared to clinch the title in the coming three days in front of his home crowd.

Ding started sloppily to lose the first game before he rallied to take the following 5 frames.

The victory seemed a sure thing considering his excellent technique and profound experience. Ding went to rest without a word after the match due to fatigue. The 19-year-old teenager won all 3 gold medals in the Doha Asian Games earlier this month.

Ding, born in the eastern city of Yingxing, received his warmest welcome ever from his hometown. He received a bye for the preliminary qualifying session Friday due to his advantage in the professionals and directly entered Saturday's first round.

China Championship of Professional Snooker 2006 lasts for 4 days, and the final is scheduled on Jan. 2.

(Xinhua News Agency December 31, 2006)