“Temperamental” Junghui Favorite to Win 2013 Snooker Championships

One of the marks of a good sportsman is the ability to keep emotions in check, despite the pressure of competition. With the 2013 Snooker Championships just around the corner, one of the favorites to win the contest, Ding Junhui will need to control his temperament if he wants to get far in the competition.  These are the sentiments of seven time world champion, Stephen Hendry, who will be serving as BBC’s pundit for the Sheffield contest from April 20th.

This year’s title is being defended by Ronnie O’Sullivan who is making an historic comeback of a ten month self exile, but Hendry believes that he could be outsmarted by Ding Junhui.

“If Ronnie plays to his potential, he is the favorite, but taking him away, my tip would be Ding,” said Hendry. “I think over the last three to four years he has got closer and closer to the big one. There has always been a question mark over Ding’s temperament. Sometimes I look at him and I think he’s not in a good place in his chair or not in control of his emotions. He gets really disappointed sometimes and then lets it affect his game. If he can keep himself under control, Ding has the game to beat anyone.”

Another player, Steve Davis, who has won the title six times, also believes that Junghui has what it takes to win this time around.

” I don’t know how Ding can improve,” said Davis. “He is brilliant. As long as he has done the hard work and is mentally prepared for what’s ahead going into the event, then there is no reason why he can’t do well.”

The professional Chinese player, now based in Sheffield, is considered China’s most successful snooker player of all times, nabbing three ranking titles in his teen years.  The 17 day 2013 World Snooker Championship kicks off this coming Saturday.