After 1799 days—more than four and a half years—Ding Junhui (丁俊晖) has finally reclaimed his spot at the pinnacle of professional snooker. On November 10, 2024, he clinched his 15th-ranking title at the World Snooker International Championship, defeating England's Chris Wakelin 10-7 in a thrilling final. This victory ended a long drought, with Ding's last ranking title coming in December 2019. His triumph was not just about winning a trophy; it symbolized a comeback story of grit, perseverance, and heart.
Trials and Tribulations
Ding's journey to this moment took work. Despite being one of the most talented snooker players in the world, his recent form had needed to be more consistent, and his performances often fell short in high-stakes matches. In the lead-up to this championship, his career appeared to slump. A month earlier, Chris Wakelin eliminated him early in the Wuhan Open, the very player he would face in the final.
Yet, Ding's performance at the International Championship was a different story. He returned to form from the start, knocking out several top players, including world number two Kyren Wilson, in the quarterfinals. The competition at the tournament was fierce, with heavyweights like Judd Trump, Mark Selby, Shaun Murphy, and Wilson all in attendance. But Ding was on a mission, and his focus paid off in the form of a title that many thought had eluded him for good.
The final itself was an emotional roller coaster. Wakelin, a relative unknown at the time, was competing in his first-ever ranking final and showed no signs of being overwhelmed by the occasion. He played confidently and skillfully, taking a commanding 4-1 lead in the match's early stages. It seemed as though Ding might fall short again for a moment, but this was different from Ding Junhui, which we had seen in recent years.
As the match progressed, Ding's experience began to shine through. He clawed his way back into the contest with steady, composed breaks. The eighth frame, in particular, was a testament to his mental fortitude. Down by one point, Ding pulled off a stunning clearance to win the frame, demonstrating his clutch ability under pressure. By the time the first session ended, Ding had overturned the deficit and led 5-4.
The second session was equally tense. The two players traded frames in what felt like an unstoppable momentum swing. The match hung in the balance at 8-7 in Ding's favor, but the decisive moment came in the 16th frame. Ding produced a magnificent 72 break to secure a match point. In the 17th frame, he capitalized on an early mistake from Wakelin, finishing the job with a break that carried him past the finishing line.
The victory was sweet for Ding, but it was also deeply emotional. As the final ball was potted and the applause echoed around the arena, Ding was surrounded by his family—his wife, father, and two daughters. Tears flowed freely, a reflection of both the relief and the joy that came with this long-awaited success.
A Champion's Long Wait
The road to this victory needed to be more straightforward. Ding's last title, his 14th ranking championship, came in December 2019 when he triumphed at the UK Championship by beating Scotland's Stephen Maguire. After that, however, the years that followed were filled with heartbreak. Despite several near-misses—reaching finals at the UK Championship, the World Open, and the Masters—Ding could not clinch another title. He often fell short against the likes of Mark Allen, Ronnie O'Sullivan, and Judd Trump, with a string of painful defeats adding to the pressure.
The gap between Ding's 14th and 15th ranking titles symbolized his struggles. It was a frustrating wait for fans who had seen him dominate the snooker scene earlier in his career. As is often the case with elite sports, the snooker world is unforgiving. A champion who has tasted victory knows the weight of expectation, and the longer a player goes without winning, the heavier that weight becomes. Yet, through the highs and lows, Ding never gave up on his dream of winning again, even when doubts crept in.
"I've had a lot of tough moments—missed shots, early exits, and losses that hit hard," Ding admitted after his victory. "But I've never lost faith in my ability to win again. This is as much for the fans who've supported me all these years as it is for me."
A New Chapter Begins
Ding's triumph at the International Championship did more than end a personal drought; it catapulted him back into the top echelons of the snooker world. The victory earned him £175,000 in prize money, pushing his season earnings to £645,500 and lifting him back into the world's top eight. The ranking boost is significant, especially as it ensures a place in the prestigious events in the latter part of the season.
At 37 years old, Ding is far from finished. Though he may not have the same youthful exuberance that defined his early career, his experience, and mental toughness are now undeniable assets. With his 15th-ranking title, Ding has shown that the fire still burns bright within him.
For Ding Junhui, this victory is not just a reminder of his talent but a testament to his resilience. After five years of waiting, he has finally tasted victory again. And for his fans, this triumph is a fitting return for one of snooker's greatest players. As the next chapter of Ding's career unfolds, it's clear that the journey is far from over.
