Ding Junhui Stages Stunning Comeback to Reach Nanjing Final, Defeats Xu Si 9-6 in Thrilling Semi

Ding Junhui secured a spot in the final of the International Championship in Nanjing after defeating Xu Si 9-6 in a thrilling semi-final encounter.

The match began with Xu taking control, building a 5-3 lead by the end of the first session, aided by superb breaks of 137 and 113. Ding’s highest break in this session was a 119, but it wasn’t enough to shift the momentum.

However, Ding rallied in the evening’s play, winning the first three frames to edge ahead 6-5. Xu, not to be outdone, responded by leveling the match at 6-6, setting up a tense finale. In the crucial final stretch, Ding found his rhythm, winning the next two frames.

His 66 in frame 14 was a key moment, demonstrating his resilience and skill under pressure. The 37-year-old, who has not won a ranking title since his 2019 UK Championship triumph, sealed his victory with a composed 58 in the 15th frame, ensuring his place in the final against Chris Wakelin.