Ding recovers from 2-0 down to get a point - 30/09/2010

DING Junhui fought back from 2-0 down to seal a valuable point against Mark Williams.

Ding came into this match needed a good result following a draw and a defeat from his two opening matches.

His opponent Mark Williams, returning to the Premier League after a five-year absence, started his 2010 campaign with a 4-2 triumph over Mark Selby.

Mark Williams. Picture - Lawrence Lustig

"The score of 3-3 was a fair result as we both played poorly and neither of us deserved to win," said williams.

"In this league it doesn't matter who you play as you know it's going to be tough and even with a 2-0 lead it's still hard to win the match.

"It was a nice lead but not one where you think you've thrown it away. But I'm certainly enjoying being back in the Premier League and I'm happy with 3-3."

Ding made a poor start as he lost a scrappy first frame after misjudging a safety shot.

Williams took the second as well but he appeared to have lost his chance when a kick on an attempt on the black stayed out. But he was back at the table soon after and a break of 73 put him 2-0 up and on course for his second victory.

It looked like becoming 3-0 but Williams, after scoring 21, missed a yellow off the spot and Ding's 68 saw him get a frame on the board.

That break appeared to give Ding some confidence and he rattled through a break of 65 but missed what would have been a frame-winning black.

But it did not prove costly as Williams scored 16 but then missed a black off the spot. The Welshman was so annoyed with his shot that he immediately conceded the frame to Ding. 2-2.

Both men had opportunities in the fifth but Williams, helped by a break of 49 and an outrageous fluke where the red was meant to go in the top right pocket actually went into the top left, moved 3-2 in front.

Williams looked like wrapping up the match when Ding went in-off early in the last. But the Welshman could not capitalise and when he also went in-off that led to Ding making 36 for the second time in the frame to tie the match.

Best of 6 frames
Ding Junhui 3-3 Mark Williams
Ding's scores first
36-76 (Williams 54), 0-90 (Williams 73), 68-21 (Ding 68), 65-16 (Ding 65), 16-63 (Williams 49), 73-5 (Ding 36, 36)