Ding Junhui beats Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in tight Six Red World Championship final
- Planet Sport writer
- 12 March 2023
China's Ding Junhui won a second Six Red World Championship with an 8-6 victory over Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in Pathum Thani.
Ding had to be at his best to see off the threat of the home favourite Un-Nooh, who himself won the Six Red trophy in 2015.
He defeated Stephen Maguire (5-2), Ronnie O'Sullivan (6-2), the 2015 world champion Stuart Bingham (6-2) and German Masters finalist Tom Ford (7-4) in order to reach Saturday's final.
He put in a dominant showing in the 14th frame to get the match wrapped up before reaching a final-frame decider.
Ding last lifted the trophy in 2016, overcoming Bingham in a dramatic 8-7 win.
It ends a four-year wait for a major title, with this the first he has won since lifting his third UK title in 2019 with victory over Maguire in York.
He will bid to become China's first world champion with 15 reds next month at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
"I was hoping to get a chance in the black ball area at 7-4 up," Ding said in an interview with World Snooker. "I actually had two great chances to win and missed a few shots.
"It is a bit lucky for me. I just believe in myself and try to pot more balls than everybody.
"The Six Red is quite fun for the players. There were some players coming here for the first time like Ronnie and Judd (Trump). It is fun and games and good to play in.
"I just need to keep my head still and do everything right. I will go back to practice and work hard for the end of the season."
