In the main event of the Snooker English Championship, 8 Chinese snooker players made it into the top 32, led by Ding Junhui (world No. 8), along with Xiao Guodong, Zhao Xintong, Si Jiahui, Wu Yize, He Guoqiang, Zhang Anda, and Zeng Peifan.
Ding Junhui's first-round opponent is English player Michaelis. Although Ding has mostly won against him in their past matches, he has also mentioned that his performance in major tournaments often ends in early elimination, rarely advancing to the quarterfinals or semifinals.
Is Ding Junhui losing his ambition to win the English Championship? In fact, Ding is very clear about his playing state. When he's at his best, he can defeat anyone. However, when he's not emotionally engaged, his shot accuracy suffers, especially on long-distance shots, where he may not be able to guarantee a successful shot, potentially giving his opponent an opportunity. Ding has fallen from being a top shot-maker to one whose form is inconsistent.
It's been nearly 1798 days without a championship title! During these 1798 days, Ding has struggled immensely, even considering retirement. However, for the sake of providing a better life for his family and children, he continues to train and participate in snooker competitions around the world. At the International Championship held in Nanjing, Ding seized the opportunity and overcame challenge after challenge, truly achieving the last place. Ding lifted the long-awaited championship trophy! At that moment, his wife wept, and Ding also covered his face in tears!
Ding's opponent in the first round of the English Championship is no pushover. Even though Michaelis is currently ranked 23rd in the world, it's uncertain whether world rankings have a natural connection to on-site performance. Ding's match on the 24th at 3 am Beijing time will undoubtedly be tough, a fierce battle! The English Championship follows an 11-frame, 6-win format, which means snooker fans will have to stay up late to watch the games. Fortunately, it's the weekend, so they can catch up on sleep the next day without missing any exciting snooker action.
Chinese snooker players competing in world championships have faced a common perception: they rarely advance to the quarterfinals or semifinals, often surrendering in the first or second rounds! Even Ding Junhui, considered China's top snooker player, frequently experiences early elimination. Coming into the English Championship, Ding has a strong feeling that he can advance! However, foreign commentators believe that Michaelis could pull off an upset and eliminate Ding. After all, Ding's psychological defenses are no longer as impenetrable as before. With 15 ranking tournament titles to his name, 14 were won almost five years ago, with the last one recently claimed. Foreign commentators think that Ding's good form and touch cannot possibly continue, and that losing and exiting the tournament is his ultimate fate! Chinese snooker fans ask: Can this curse be broken? Maintain the right attitude, approach with a calm mind, and strive to create miracles!
