China star edges Ding-dong battle

Ding Junhui admitted it has been a "crazy week" after beating John Higgins 10-8 to win the UK Championship in Telford.

The Chinese star, who won the title back in 2005, trailed 7-6 but took four of the next five frames to lift the second most prestigious trophy in the sport.

The 22-year-old burst onto the scene back in the mid-2000s and shocked the snooker world with a 10-6 victory over veteran Steve Davis in the same tournament four years ago.

However, he lost his way for a couple of seasons before a recent resurgence has culminated with success in Sunday's tournament victory - his fourth ranking event success.

The match was an even affair with neither player able to open up more than a one-frame advantage and they entered the evening session locked together at 4-4.

The match continued along a similar path until, at 7-7, Higgins missed a simple brown that would have given him the game and a real chance of adding another UK Championship, following his successes in 1998 and 2000.

Ding took full advantage and, after moving 9-7 ahead, put together a match-winning break of 75 to claim the title.

The popular Far East star was delighted to get over the line and admitted he had had to keep his emotions in check all week to beat the best players in the world.

"It's been a crazy week," he said. "I can't believe it. It's brilliant. I am concentrating more. I had some bad shot selections but I was telling myself not to be angry."