Snooker World Cup 2011 - China's Triumph

After beating the Republic of Ireland and then favourites Wales in the semi-finals, the Chinese team of Ding Junhui & Liang Wenbo went one better by beating Northern Ireland 4-2 in the final of the PTT-EGAT Snooker World Cup in Thailand.

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Since the Snooker World Cup was staged in the early 80's only teams from Canada and the UK have won the title but China have overcome the odds and took the cup at the Bangkok convention centre.

China didn't have it all there own way in the final though. After storming to a 3-0 lead their victory looked a certainty but Mark Allen stole the 4th after Liang broke down on 55 and in the next Gerard made one of the best breaks of his career as he rattled off a string of pots including a double to make a 109 to go only 3-2 behind.

In the 6th though the Chinese pairing made a fabulous 89 break to win the match 4-2. This could hail the start to a great season for the duo as even though Ding won the Masters and reached the world finals, Liang had the season from hell, didn't win a qualifying match and nearly dropped out the top 32. Could this be the start of something good for them?

The Chinese pairing take home a share of $200,000 USD which works out at about £62,000 each, which is pretty good considering the winner of the Welsh Open only gets £30,000.

Here is what Ding said about their victory;

"When the last World Cup was held I was nine and had only just picked up my first cue a few months before," said Ding. "I'm very proud of China. We've made a lot of friends at this tournament.

"We both played really well. We got off to a good start and were 3-0 ahead and in the fourth frame I missed a blue to make it 3-1. I had a good chance to win that frame but anything can happen. When we were 3-0 up I thought we would finish it in the fourth frame.

"We didn't play good at the doubles a few days ago but talked more and had a better shot selection and played better.

"We're the best two players from China and I'm very proud of China and us to win the World Cup.

"You don't get many chances to play in this tournament and this is the first time I've played in it but I hope I can play in this more times and win more times.

"Liang played very well and better than last season. Last year there was a lot of pressure on him but you need to understand he will come back and play better and better."

Mark Allen said this about attempting to get back from 3-0 behind;

"We were up against it right from the start and in the first two frames China played flawless snooker and we didn't have a chance. It was just about digging in and staying in the match and we managed to win two frames.

"But they played better snooker on the day so they probably deserved to win. It's disappointing but we found ourselves 2-0 down through no fault of our own.

"We needed some luck and Gerard made a good break to make it 3-1 and I then made a good clearance and at 3-2 we were right back in it.

"We came here with expectations to do well and tried to play well in every match.

"If someone had said we would get to the final then we would've taken it but being in the final you never want to finish runners-up.

"We've won a bit of money to put in the bank but it's just a shame we couldn't lift the trophy."

Once again, congratulations to Team China; Liang Wenbo and Ding Junhui and onwards to the Australian Goldfields Open which starts tomorrow!

Photo and quotes courtesy of World Snooker