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Replay: Ding edges Fu in dramatic finale
888.com WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP
Dates: Sat 19 April to Mon 5 May Venue: Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
Coverage: Watch live on BBC One, BBC Two, BBCi and the BBC Sport website; listen on BBC Radio 5 Live China's Ding Junhui stumbled over the winning line in a tense final frame to edge out Marco Fu 10-9 in their World Championship first-round meeting.
Ding led 5-1 but Fu recovered to trail 5-4 at the end of the opening session.
Fu took his momentum into the evening session at The Crucible, winning the first two frames to secure a 6-5 lead.
But it was nip-and-tuck as the pressure grew, although Ding made breaks of 97 and 114, before the world number nine took his third chance in the decider.
Ding looked to be in total control of the opening session after breaks of 113, 87 and 99 saw him soar four frames clear.
But Fu hit back with some fine potting of his own and managed two centuries as he took the last three frames of the morning.
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I am happy - in the final frame sometimes you need a little bit of luck
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The match seemed to be slipping from Ding's grasp when the players resumed on Tuesday evening after he wasted chances in the opening two frames.
But he gradually rediscovered his form as the match went on, while Fu also refused to give in.
The final frame started with both players missing testing long reds, but Fu's effort ended up over the pocket, gifting Ding his first chance.
The Chinese star made nine points before breaking down, and then went in-off after a long red soon after.
But a superb escape from a tricky snooker behind the green swung the match back in Ding's favour, and he took full advantage with a 76 break taking him into the second round, where he will face Stephen Hendry.
It was Ding's first ever win at The Crucible after he lost heavily to Ronnie O'Sullivan on his first visit to the venue last year.
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606: DEBATE
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"When I went in-off in the last frame I thought I might lose the match but Marco was unlucky on a shot and that gave me a chance," said Ding.
"I am happy, in the final frame sometimes you need a little bit of luck.
"I'm happy I did not lose in the first round so there is no pressure now. I am playing well and working hard on my game."
Meanwhile, former world champion Shaun Murphy confirmed his status as one of the favourites for this year's title as he powered to a 7-2 lead over an outclassed Dave Harold.
The opening two frames were shared, but Murphy seized the opening-round match by the scruff of the neck from then on.
Harold had chances but paid the price for his misses as Murphy surged ahead.
Breaks of 87, 55, 72 and 78 helped Murphy, who did not have to be at his clinical best, on his way but Harold salvaged some pride by taking the last.
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