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| China's Ding Junhui competes at the 2006 World Snooker China Open at Beijing University Students Gymnasium in Beijing, capital of China, March 21, 2006. China's Ding Junhui defeated compatriot Yang Qingtian, and moved to top 16. (Xinhua photo) | Defending champion Ding Junhui survived a low start to go through the first round over compatriotYang Qingtian 5-4 in the 2006 World Snooker China Open here on Tuesday.
After losing the opening frame, Ding came back and took the lead 2-1. However, China's wild card player Yang displayed a strong resistance.
Yang seemed to be vulnerable in the following frames and but managed to level the game 2-2.
After losing the fifth frame, Yang began to launch his attacks in the sixth and won the frame with a break of 107.
"I had a good performance today," said 24-year-old Yang, "but Ding is better than me in controlling the white ball. It is a pityto lose the game."
In the match full of mistakes and errors, Ding wasted several good chances to extend his lead, only to see the two Chinese players again tied at 4-4 to enter the deciding frame.
Ding, now ranked No.61 in the world, finally found his rhythm in the ninth frame and took the frame easily with a 119 break, left no chance to Yang.
"It is a fortune that Yang didn't open the frame very well and left me a big chance," said Ding, "This is my best chance during the game and I am happy to take it."
"Yang's performance today was better than mine, but he was quite nervous in the final frame, so I won," added Ding.
Ding may play another China-derby in the second round, as his opponent on Thursday will be the winner between Graeme Dott of Scotland and 19-year-old Chinese Yu Delu.
Veteran world No.9 Mark Williams celebrated his birthday with avictory over Drew Henry 5-1 on Tuesday.
Williams showed high profile during the match, including a 116 break in the third frame and a higher 133 in the fourth.
"I always like to play in China. I need to win couple of matches and I don't want to lose on my birthday, which is today," said Williams after the match.
"I played well today, I had good performance last month, I hopeto keep playing like that," said 31-year-old Williams.
Another match in Tuesday's evening was between Scott MacKenzieand Matthew Stevens, as wild card player MacKenzie won the game 5-4 over world No.4 Stevens.
Editor: Donald
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