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Ding comes through Ebdon test

China.org.cn, November 1, 2013

• China's Ding Junhui stayed on course for a third successive ranking title with a 6-3 win over Peter Ebdon.

  Ding Junhui survived a tough battle with Peter Ebdon to set up a semi-final with Graeme Dott at the International Championship.

  The Chinese ace eventually secured a 6-3 victory after four hours and 33 minutes to move closer to becoming the first player to claim a hat-trick of ranking title since Stephen Hendry in 1990.

  Ding started strongly with breaks of 86 and 76 to go 2-0 up. Ebdon pulled one back then Ding cleared from the last red to make it 3-1.

  Further scores of 82 and 83 put him on the verge of victory and although Ebdon launched a brief fightback, Ding sealed the win with a 62 in the final frame.

  "I played well today and didn't lose my rhythm," said Ding. "I think today's match was the best one in recent years, playing Peter in competition."

  Dott, whose last tournament win was in 2007, beat Liang Wenbo 6-3.

  The 36-year-old, world champion in 2006, put together breaks of 97, 82 and 91 to see off Liang, who had knocked out Ronnie O'Sullivan in the second round.

  "I played very well, a solid match," said Dott. "Liang didn't play as well as he can and I put him under pressure.

  "Ding is the best player in the world at the moment so to play him in China will be fantastic, it will be a great occasion. I have beaten him in China before so I know I can do it. I've got a bit of confidence and I'm gradually getting better."

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