Ding Junhui opens up on relentless practice, his changing game and snooker's unique challenge

Former World Under-21 Champion Ding hasn’t made a great start to his 24th consecutive season on the professional circuit.

At the Shanghai Masters, he did compile four century breaks in defeating amateur wildcard Yao Dongcheng, 6-2, in the opening round before being eliminated by the same scoreline at the hands of Zhao Xintong.

In Taiyuan for the revived China Open, Ding exited on day one as he was soundly dispatched 6-1 by in-form qualifier David Gilbert.

Following that match, Gilbert - who denied reigning World Champion Wu Yize in the next round before going out in the quarter-finals - saluted Ding’s impact and influence in the sport, labelling the 15-time ranking event winner as a “God” for “what he has done for snooker.”

Indeed, it was on home soil at the 2005 China Open where Ding changed the course of snooker history forever when - having turned 18-years-old just two days before - he defeated seven-times World Champion Stephen Hendry in the final.

It was reported that a domestic television audience of approximately 110 million people watched the final that resulted in Ding becoming the first Chinese player to win a professional ranking event.

Sparking a seismic snooker boom in China, since that red letter day for the sport, trailblazer Ding has established himself as one of the most prolific tournament winners of all-time. Amongst his haul of accolades are three UK Championship crowns, and the Masters.

In recent times, though, triumphs have been sparse. His third UK success came in 2019, but he had to wait nearly five years for his next - and latest - ranking title at the 2024 International Championship.

In 2014, Ding created yet more snooker history when he became the first Asian world number one, a position he last held in 2015. However, the 39-year-old now currently sits 15th in the global standings, and with his International Championship prize-money to be removed from his two-year rolling tally in a few months time, Ding’s top 16 status is in serious jeopardy.

‘Inconsistent’ Ding trying his best and sticking to routine

But ‘The Dragon’ has overcome relegation from that elite bracket before. In 2016, he slipped out of the 16 and had to qualify for that year’s World Championship. Not only did he achieve that, but he went all the way to the Crucible final - the first Chinese player to do so - where he was denied the blue riband prize by Mark Selby in a 18-14 scoreline.

Speaking to China Daily shortly after his loss at the recently completed China Open, Ding acknowledged that his game is not where he wants it to be - with consistency being an ongoing issue - but he is continuing to work hard in order to remedy it.

“I don’t know when I can bring everything together and unleash my full potential, all I can do is try my best” said Ding, who in an interview before the tournament reiterated his desire to win the World Championship.

“My form has always fluctuated a lot throughout my career. I haven’t been able to maintain a steady level all year round like some players. For all these years, I’ve tried to stabilize my form, but the results have never been ideal.

“Even now, with obvious ups and downs in my form, I still stick to daily training. I can only rely on extensive practice to ground myself.”

Ding hopes fans “truly enjoy and understand snooker”

During this 2026/27 World Snooker Tour season, seven events are set to be held in the Far East - six in China, and one in Hong Kong. The circuit is now heading to the Wuhan Open (August 23-29) for the third and final leg of this summer’s ‘China swing’.

With the world’s star names performing so frequently on big stages in China these days, Ding is hoping that fans in his home country can truly appreciate the nuances that snooker brings, and the different skills, talents, and tactics that the top cueists possess.

“Public understanding of a sport often surges alongside a major event. Thanks to this tournament (2026 China Open), more people can gain a thorough understanding of snooker” said Ding.

“I hope fans don’t just watch for the excitement. I want them to truly enjoy and understand snooker, to grasp the tactical battles on the table.

“Even if you don’t play the sport yourself, understanding the overall match flow and the offensive and defensive thinking behind each shot will make the viewing experience much richer.”

Analysing his own style, Ding admitted to becoming more cautious on the baize: “Back then, I didn’t really feel pressure from the outside world. I was younger and played with a more aggressive style.”

One percent improvement can equal enormous change says Ding

In a one-on-one sport where the margins between winning and losing can literally be about fractions, and being on the receiving end of a defeat can be a lonely place, Ding explained: “For top professionals, even a one percent improvement in consistency and competitive ability can bring enormous change.

“Every player has a distinct playing style. You can’t just lean on your strengths in a match, or your opponent will easily exploit even the smallest weaknesses.

“All top players have highly comprehensive skills; you can’t go far on the pro tour with only one advantage.

“Snooker is different from rally-based sports, like table tennis and badminton. Once an opponent gets in and scores continuously, you have no chance to interrupt their run — you can only sit in your chair and watch them build their break.”

Ding’s next scheduled action is on Sunday 23rd August when he faces Welsh youngster Liam Davies in the Wuhan Open round of 64.