Ding Junhui

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN RETURNS TO CORNWALL AND PRODUCES A MAGICAL "147"
                                                  ( 22nd and 23rd February 2008 )

Snooker genius Ronnie O’Sullivan made a welcome return to Cornwall along with fellow snooker professionals Jimmy ‘Whirlwind’ White and ‘Chinese Sensation’ Ding Junhui on Friday 22^nd and Saturday 23^rd February at the Keay Theatre in St Austell.

Friday’s exhibition saw Jimmy and Ronnie play amateur players in the first half then the two legends went on to play a 7 frame exhibition match in the second half.  None of the six amateur players managed to win a frame against the green baize legends but Ronnie managed to make a 108 break against Andrew Pearce.

An exciting start to the head to head saw Jimmy go into a 3 frames lead.  Ronnie changed up a gear and won the match 4 frames to 3, compiling a 118 break in the fifth frame.

A thrilling Saturday evenings snooker was had by all as Ding Junhui kicked off the second day’s exhibition in fantastic form.  In the first three frames against amateur players he compiled breaks of 99, 122 and 118.  Ronnie ensured total domination, playing various shots left and right handed, against his three amateurs to complete the first half of the evenings programme.

The second half of Saturday’s entertainment against Ding saw Ronnie show the fans why he is the most naturally gifted player the world of snooker has ever seen.  Ronnie got off to a flying start with a 101 break only to further amaze the audience in the second frame with a flawless 147 maximum break in just six and a half minutes.  “During the 147 break you could hear a pin drop,” said SnookerPlus promoter David Grigg, “As the final black went into the pocket the whole 340 seat arena erupted.”  Ding went on to win the third frame but barely got a look in on the next three frames as Ronnie made breaks of 78, 54, 35, 93 and 41.  Amazingly, unfased by Ronnie’s superb play, Ding showed the audience why is a class act by finishing off the evening with an outstanding 121 break.

At the end of both evenings privileged fans had the opportunity to meet the professionals for photos and autographs.

“We are so privileged to be able to attract quality players to Cornwall as geographically we so far away from where players are based,” says Carole Grigg from SnookerPlus.  David Grigg adds “This is Ding’s first visit to Cornwall but I am certain it will not be his last, he’s an awesome talent at only 20 years old and has gained many new fans in Cornwall.”

Players - Friday                                            Players - Saturday                    
                      
Jake Stewart                                                Kevin Steed
Mark Roberts                                                Chris Timmins
Andrew Hobbs                                              Mike Harding
Jack Spalding                                              Ashley Randle
Andrew Pearce                                            John Dunn
Jason Hill                                                     Justin Waters