DING JUNHUI REPLACES RONNIE O'SULLIVAN AT CAZOO CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

Ding Junhui will feature in snooker’s prestigious Cazoo Champion of Champions tournament in Bolton tomorrow (Wednesday).

The Chinese professional was delighted to board a flight from China this morning after playing in last week’s International Championship and will arrive in the UK tonight.

He will face fellow countryman Zhang Anda, who beat Ronnie O’Sullivan on his way to winning the International Championship last weekend, at Bolton’s Toughsheet Stadium.

Ding qualifies for the Champions’ event after winning the Six-red World Championship in Thailand earlier this year.

The 36-year-old is the most successful Asian player in the history of the sport and widely regarded as the greatest Asian player of all time. He has won 14 major ranking titles, including three UK Championships.

Ding replaces defending champion O’Sullivan, who withdrew from the Champion of Champions event this morning, apologising to his fans on X (formerly Twitter).

See the full list of where to watch around the globe here.

There are still a limited number of tickets available across the week, starting from £15 a session. Secure your ticket here.