Snooker: Mark Williams ended Ding Jun Hui's Star Group China Open title defence to reach his first final in 29 months in Beijing today.
To the dismay of Ding's huge army of Chinese fans, Williams completed a 6-2 semi-final victory. The Welshman therefore advanced to his first final since he won the LG Cup in October 2003.
Williams, the world number nine, highlighted his victory with a break of 115 in the third frame and took advantage of Ding's unforced errors as the 18-year-old from the Jiangsu Province failed to get going.
Ding thrashed Ken Doherty 6-0 in the semi-finals last year before turning on the style to beat Stephen Hendry 9-5 in the final - but his best form deserted him this time as his nine-match unbeaten run in the event came to an end.
"The crowd were mainly for him. But they didn't put me off and if anything helped me," said Williams, the winner of 15 ranking titles - including the 2002 China Open. "I'm getting better slowly and thought I outplayed Ding in every department - potting, scoring and safety."
Williams fell as low as 25th in the provisional rankings this season after two lean years but is now certain of keeping his place in the elite top 16.
"There were times I thought it would be difficult to get to another final, but I've always believed in my ability as long as I put the work in," he said. "I can beat anybody and win any tournament I play in if I've prepared properly."
Williams faces John Higgins, a 6-2 winner against Doherty earlier, in the best-of-17 final. Higgins holds a 15-11 career advantage over Williams but has not beaten him in a ranking event since winning 10-4 in the final of the 2000 UK Championship.
"I'd rather play John in a final than a lower-ranked player because - although it will be tough - at least you know what to expect from him," said Williams.