Ronnie O’Sullivan edges Ding Junhui, Li Hang stuns Judd Trump at Scottish Open
- ‘Rocket’ into semis after seizing on Chinese No 1’s mistake in final frame but describes win as ‘embarrassing’ after tip trouble
- Li Hang stands in his way after stunning World No 1 Judd Trump in their quarter-final
China’s top snooker player Ding Junhui once against lost to his great friend and rival Ronnie O’Sullivan when they met in the Scottish Open in Milton Keynes on Friday night.
O’Sullivan extended his career record over Ding to 14-3 but he described his win as “embarrassing” after struggling with his cue tip.
“I’m just so glad that’s over. I couldn’t play with that tip,” he told Eurosport after the win, which sees him face China’s Li Hang in the semi-final.
“I just couldn‘t play anything out there,” O’Sullivan continued. “It was embarrassing. He probably felt sorry for me. He had so many chances, it was absolutely scary. I’m into the next round, hopefully get a new tip on.”
In the end O’Sullivan, who complained about his tip after his win over Robbie Williams in the previous round, needed the Chinese No 1 to help him to victory.
Ding, who had fought back from 4-2 down to take it to a decisive ninth frame, appeared to have the advantage after “The Rocket” misjudged a red to hand over control of the table but Ding missed a black to allow the Englishman to seal the win.