Ding Junhui leads host Yan'an to opening win at National Snooker Team Championship

YAN'AN, China, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Snooker legend Ding Junhui won two frames and helped Team Yan'an beat Team Liaoning 4-1 at the 2025 National Snooker Team Championship here on Monday.

Ding earned the host team a 1-0 lead with a break of more than 50, while his teammate Lei Peifan lost to Xie Jintao 57-52.

In the third frame played in a duet format, Ding and Mei Xiwen notched 89 straight points to outplay Yuan Yongjun and Xiao Ye.

Mei and Lei won the fourth and fifth frames respectively to secure the host's opening win.

Despite featuring Chengdu World Games gold medalist Bai Yulu, Henan lost 5-0 to Anhui.

On Tuesday night, Henan will meet Chengdu, while Macao will face Yan'an.

The tournament features 32 teams in eight groups, with the top two teams of each group advancing to the last 16. The final is scheduled on Friday.

Team Xianyang won last year's championship. ■