Phew! Well done them both really.
First match of this year's event underway.
Luca Brecel v Jack Lisowski.
The World champion struggled for the most part and Lisowski won 6-2.
In the evening Shaun Murphy beat Zhang Anda in a bit of a strange encounter.
Zhang frequently got in first without capitalising on chances to win frames.
Murphy took advantage to build a lead he ultimately never relinquished in winning 6-2.
Zhang had chances in the 3rd & 4th frames that he couldn't follow through on. Tubs can be ruthless at times like that.
i turned over thinking he has no chance at 4-0 and he makes a 147 ! christ and its 5-3
Ronnie won 6-3 in the end but the 147 was special from Ding. A superb break.
Turned out to be a good win for Ronnie capped off with a fantastic 132 break in the last frame. But it should have been a stroll in the park, 4-0 up and cruising to a 5-0 lead he took that red for granted and missed. Ding's confidence grew in leaps and bounds after that and I'm was relieved Ronnie held on for the win.
I have gone to the Ali Pali to watch Ronnie play in the Masters on the past, but not this year. That match must have been fantastic for the audience watching at the venue!
Credit to Ding, still a loser but a showman in the process. Ronnie always fond of Ding, no matter how many titles he doesn't win.
Carter disappointingly beat Mark Williams.
Judd Trump kept his title defence hopes alive with a nailbiting 6-5 win over Kyren Wilson.