Defeating World No. 8, Ding Junhui Reaches English Open Semifinals

A highlight match of the 2026 World Snooker English Open quarterfinals took place tonight, with Chinese player Ding Junhui facing British star Kyren Wilson. The two had previously met 18 times, with Ding recording eight wins and 10 losses.

In the first half, Ding Junhui quickly found his rhythm, producing consecutive breaks of 93 and 87 to take a 3-0 lead. In the fourth frame, Wilson responded with a 98 break to pull one frame back. Ding led 3-1 at the interval.

After the break, Wilson took the first chance and made a steady 79 break to claim another frame. In the crucial sixth frame, Ding missed a red ball that would have extended his lead, and Wilson continued to chase points but potted the cue ball while attempting the green. Ding won the frame after a safety battle, then added a 76 break in the seventh frame to make it 5-2, leaving himself one step away from qualification.

The eighth frame featured repeated twists and turns, with Ding Junhui capitalizing on Wilson's mistake at the final stage to clear the table and win. In the end, Ding defeated Kyren Wilson 6-2 and advanced to the semifinals.