UK Championships

Ding has qualified, but Dave Gilbert lost a decider.

Maguire's out! 6-3 to Joe O'Connor

(23-11-2023 17:10 )Joannis Wrote:  Maguire's out! 6-3 to Joe O'Connor

The opening session today sees a repeat of last year's final in the very first round.

It's Mark Allen v Ding Junhui.

For me the UK Championship is the second most important tournament in snooker ahead of The Masters. The main reason I say that is that it is a ranking event that is open to players beyond the top 16. I have always placed ranking events above invitation ones.

I always look forward to this event in the calendar. Should be a cracker.

Ronnie's got McGill again (groan!). That's if he even turns up on Tuesday, but he should do. Surely he won't turn down the chance to go for the £250,000 first prize

Ding Junhui exacted revenge for his final defeat of last year by knocking out defending champion Mark Allen 6-5.
A really gutsy effort bearing in mind he was feeling under the weather and finished in style with a century break.

Mark Williams saw off Fan Zhengyi 6-4.

Given Allen's recent good form, he could have been expected to go deep again this time, so Ding's win is all the more impressive.

Jamie Clarke recovered from 1-5 down to stun Kyren Wilson 6-5.
Tom Ford edged past Noppon Saengkham by the same scoreline.

Great win for Clarke.

Luca Brecel was pushed by Yuan Sijun maybe a bit harder than expected, but still prevailed. He could do with a good run given how his season has gone so far.