After an agonizing five-year title drought, China’s snooker sensation Ding Junhui basked in the glory of victory, holding aloft the coveted trophy at the World Snooker Tour International Championship in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, on November 10, 2024. This triumphant moment came before an exuberant home crowd that filled the venue with electric energy.
Ding showcased his exceptional skill by defeating England’s Chris Wakelin in a thrilling final, ending with a score of 10-7. This victory marks not only his first major title since winning the UK Championship in 2019 but also signifies a personal revival, as he had faced disappointments in his previous three finals. The win adds to Ding’s impressive collection, bringing his career ranking titles to an admirable total of 15.
During the post-match award ceremony, an emotional Ding was joined on stage by his father, wife, and their two young daughters, turning this monumental win into a family celebration. “I didn’t know my family would be at the trophy presentation — it was great to see them,” Ding expressed with joy. He noted that this was a special moment for his daughters, who had never witnessed him clinching a title live, explaining, “When I won the UK Championship, my eldest daughter was still in bed.”
Throughout the tournament, Ding delivered a series of impressive performances, defeating world No. 2 Kyren Wilson in a hard-fought quarterfinal and overcoming fellow countryman Xu Si in the semifinal round, creating the perfect prelude to the final showdown.
In the final match, the 37-year-old demonstrated remarkable resilience by rallying from an early 4-1 deficit to claim six consecutive frames, which propelled him to a 7-4 lead. He skillfully held off a fierce resistance from Wakelin, ultimately sealing his victory at 10-7 and showcasing his mental fortitude.
“He is very well-rounded and extremely dangerous,” Ding remarked about Wakelin, identifying his victories in the eighth and ninth frames as critical turning points in the match. “In today’s match, I focused on maintaining my rhythm and tightening my defense, always looking for any chance to seize the upper hand,” he added.
The International Championship, held from November 3 to 10, offered a staggering total prize pool of 825,000 pounds ($1.06 million), underscoring the prestige of the tournament. Notably, three of the top four finishers hailed from China, showcasing the depth of talent in the national snooker scene, with Ding himself becoming the defending champion.
Feeling energized by the passionate support of the crowd, the Yixing-born player remarked that every event in China feels like a homecoming, stating, “The fans here always back the Chinese players, and I really felt that support today. I’m thrilled to have such strong backing.”
Ding’s monumental victory marked his second International Championship title, earning him a lucrative bonus of 175,000 pounds, which is a significant milestone in his career. His last title prior to this win came in 2019 at the UK Championship, where he bested Stephen Maguire with a 10-6 scoreline. The past five years were marked by disappointments in finals, including losses to Mark Allen in the 2022 UK Championship, Ronnie O’Sullivan in the 2023 UK Championship, and Judd Trump at the 2024 World Open.
With this recent success, Ding has climbed to No. 8 in the world rankings, reaffirming his status among the elite players in snooker. Reflecting on his journey, he commented, “There were times over the past five years when I played well, but I often lost early. I didn’t have a consistent run to the quarterfinals or semifinals, so it was either an early exit or going all the way. That’s been the story of most of my career.” He smiled, adding, “It hasn’t just been tough for me; my fans have gone through it all with me. They’ve stuck by me through every high and low. I made it through — and so did they.”
Dong Hao, director of the Nanjing Sports Bureau, emphasized that the tournament not only spotlighted Chinese snooker but also played a vital role in enhancing Nanjing’s reputation on the international sports stage. “In recent years, Nanjing has strengthened its ties with international sports organizations, successfully hosting numerous major global events. This ancient, yet modern, city is accelerating its growth and development through sports,” Dong stated.
**Interview with Ding Junhui: A Triumphant Return to Snooker Glory**
**Editor:** Ding, congratulations on your incredible victory at the International Championship! It must feel amazing to win this title after a five-year drought. Can you describe the emotions you felt when you held the trophy?
**Ding Junhui:** Thank you! It’s hard to put into words, really. After five years without a major title, I’ve faced a lot of ups and downs. Finally winning again in front of my home crowd in Nanjing was surreal. When I lifted that trophy, it was like all the hard work and patience paid off.
**Editor:** You faced an early setback in the final, falling behind 4-1. What was going through your mind during that challenging moment?
**Ding Junhui:** It was definitely a tough spot, but I’ve learned to stay calm over the years. I focused on my game and gradually found my rhythm. It was crucial to stay positive and remind myself that I just needed to take it frame by frame.
**Editor:** Your family was there to celebrate with you on stage. How special was that moment for you?
**Ding Junhui:** It was incredibly special! To have my wife, kids, and my father by my side made it even more emotional. My daughters had never seen me win live before, so sharing this moment with them was something I’ll cherish forever.
**Editor:** Throughout the tournament, you defeated some formidable opponents, including Kyren Wilson in the quarterfinals. How did you prepare for these matches?
**Ding Junhui:** I approached each match with focus and a clear strategy. Contrary to the pressure I felt in the finals, I treated every game like a practice, reminding myself of the basics and believing in my abilities.
**Editor:** You mentioned your focus and mental fortitude earlier. How important is the mental aspect of the game in snooker?
**Ding Junhui:** It’s crucial. Snooker is as much a mental game as it is physical. Staying composed, managing pressure, and making smart decisions can make the difference between winning and losing.
**Editor:** how does it feel to see the depth of talent in Chinese snooker, especially with several players making it to the final stages of this tournament?
**Ding Junhui:** It’s exciting! The growth of snooker in China has been fantastic, and we’re producing so many talented players. It motivates me to continue pushing myself and hopefully inspire the next generation.
**Editor:** Thank you for your time, Ding. Congratulations once again, and we look forward to seeing more of your incredible performances!
**Ding Junhui:** Thank you! I appreciate the support and can’t wait for what’s next!
