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Ding Junhui beat Neil Robertson 10-5 to win the China Open in front of his home fans and claim a record-equalling fifth title of the season. [Xinhua] |
Ding Junhui equalled Stephen Hendry's record of winning five ranking titles in a season after beating Neil Robertson 10-5 to triumph at the China Open.
The 27-year-old now has the opportunity to better Hendry's 1990/91 exploits by winning a sixth title at the World Championship in under two weeks' time.
The world number three kicked off the final in the best possible fashion, dominating Robertson with breaks of 87, 61 and 48 to take charge of the showpiece event with an early 3-0 lead.
Robertson, who was defending the title and chasing his third ranking crown of the season, pulled one frame back to reduce the deficit, but a break of 119 in the fifth set the tone for the rest of the first session as Ding went into the interval five games to the good at 7-2.
The Australian grabbed the opening frame of the second session with a 57, the Chinese ace made a 104 for 8-3.
Frame 12 went to Robertson after he cleared from the last red, but again Ding responded to restore his cushion with a 67. Still Robertson battled and a 57 made it 9-5, but Ding's run of 66 in frame 15 settled the result.
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