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Ding Junhui has warned he is in no mood to give up his UK Championship crown. The 19-year-old Chinese star will defend his title in York next month - but only after jetting in from the Asian Games in Qatar just 24 hours before his opening match.
The provisional world number four said he was hopeful he could reproduce the 2005 form that saw him capture snooker's second biggest championship - his first major title on British soil.
"I probably will be tired but I am not too worried about it," the 19-year-old told York newspaper The Press.
"The first stage could be difficult - particularly with the time issue - and I might get tired at first, but if I can go on well, I will be concentrating on the game.
"I think I can win again. I am always very uncertain to say I will win again, but I will try my best.".
Ding will open the defence of his UK title against either Ryan Day or Chinese compatriot Liu Song on December 9.
He enters the tournament in impressive form, a 9-6 victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan in the Northern Ireland Trophy in August giving him his third ranking title.
Ding was also due to compete in the play-offs of snooker's Premier League, although he had to withdraw due to his Asian games commitments.
The provisional world number four said he was hopeful he could reproduce the 2005 form that saw him capture snooker's second biggest championship - his first major title on British soil.
"I probably will be tired but I am not too worried about it," the 19-year-old told York newspaper The Press.
"The first stage could be difficult - particularly with the time issue - and I might get tired at first, but if I can go on well, I will be concentrating on the game.
"I think I can win again. I am always very uncertain to say I will win again, but I will try my best.".
Ding will open the defence of his UK title against either Ryan Day or Chinese compatriot Liu Song on December 9.
He enters the tournament in impressive form, a 9-6 victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan in the Northern Ireland Trophy in August giving him his third ranking title.
Ding was also due to compete in the play-offs of snooker's Premier League, although he had to withdraw due to his Asian games commitments.
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