HONG KONG, Aug 22: World champion Mark Williams was left red-faced after falling on Friday to China’s teenage prodigy Ding Junhui in the preliminary round of the Euro-Asia Snooker Masters Challenge exhibition tournament.

Williams, the world number one, lost the best-of-three frames match 60-37, 87-62 to the 16-year-old Ding who is hoping to turn professional next year. He still qualified for the semifinals, however.

“I’m lucky to have qualified. I have got in through the backdoor,” said Williams, who was also beaten by James Wattana of Thailand, 2-0, in the preliminary round robin competition.

“Ding played very well. I have never seen him before and he is definitely a player to keep an eye on in the future. I can’t remember the last time I lost to a 16-year-old kid,” the world number one laughed.

Williams’ sole win in the group stages was over England’s Jimmy White and this victory allowed him to slide into the semifinal slot.

World number two Stephen Hendry, meanwhile, bounced back from an opening day loss to Doherty, defeating local ace Marco Fu and Pakistan’s England-based player Shokat Ali to clinch a semifinal berth in the tournament.

Also advancing from this pool was Ireland’s Ken Doherty who has remained unbeaten so far.

Williams will meet Doherty in one semifinal Saturday, while Wattana and Hendry will face off in the other.— AFP