China’s Ding Junhui is the highest-ranked player left in the Yushan World Open and he should have no problems in dispatching compatriot Li Hang in Friday’s quarter-final contest. Ding is one of the most experienced players on the tour, having turned professional back in 2003, and he has shown enough in the earlier rounds to suggest he can go all the way at the World Open. The 30-year-old has already knocked out countrymen Zhang Anda and Xiao Guodong, winning 5-3 and 5-0 respectively, and a third Chinese scalp could be added to his tally.
A 5-1 thumping of England’s Joe Perry in the last-16 has increased Ding’s confidence and kept the momentum going into Friday’s quarter-final clash against Li. This will be the first time the pair have met over a best-of-nine format although they have gone head-to-head over a shorter distance, with Ding boasting a 3-1 record. However, Li will be no easy pushover and he has already showcased his considerable talent this season, having reached the last-four stage at the China Championship in August.
The 26-year-old, who returned to the professional tour for a second go in 2013, proved he has the mental strength and determination to grind out results after overcoming 2002 World Champion Peter Ebdon 5-3 in the last round. Earlier victories over compatriot Liang Wenbo and England’s Ricky Walden have helped Li, whose 143 in round two is currently the highest break of the tournament, reach the last eight but he will need his best performance to get the better of Ding. Ding, who is 8/1 to win a maiden World Championship next year, is the 1/4 favourite to book his spot in the semi-finals whilst his opponent is quoted 3/1.
Snooker odds available at Dafabet.