Snooker: Ding Junhui back 'stronger' Ding Junhui insists that he is a better player and a stronger character than the last time he faced Ronnie O'Sullivan at the Masters. The 24-year-old defending champion opens the tournament at its new venue of Alexandra Palace on Sunday against four-time winner O'Sullivan in the tie of the first round. The last time the pair met at the event, Ding ended the contest in tears and tried to leave a frame early in a 10-3 defeat. China's No 1 player took some time to recover, but last year beat Marco Fu in the final. Ding said: "Last year was great for me at the Masters, I had my problems but I put those behind me and I am looking forward to it this year."