Ding Junhui criticises 2012 Masters schedule after losing to Ronnie O’Sullivan at Alexandra Palace
China’s Ding Junhui was ousted by the Rocket, Ronnie O’Sullivan, 4-6 in the first round of the 2012 Masters. O’Sullivan has now moved into the quarter-final of the tournament and might face the 2011 UK Championship winner, Judd Trump, or 2011 Australian
Goldfields Open winner, Stuart Bingham, at the baize.
On the other hand, the Chinese will go back home to join his family in the celebrations of Spring Festival. After losing his match to O’Sullivan, Junhui criticised the timing of 2012 Masters event as it does not suit him at all. The Masters event is always
scheduled at the time of Chinese Luna New Year and Chinese players had to leave the festival to participate in the tournament.
Even this time, Junhui had to postpone his participation in the Spring Festival, which is one of the key festivals in China for a family union. The Chinese Sensation believes a player cannot concentrate on his game at a time when he has a chance to be with
his family back home.
Speaking to local media at the conclusion of his match, Junhui said, “They don't care, but I care. I miss my family so much and want to go home. No Chinese players want to play near the spring festival. It will affect players' mood and form definitely. It's
the same, just like on Christmas Day no British snooker players compete too.”
The Jiangsu potter said that he will be heading to his home for the celebration of Spring Festival. He was the defending champion but lost his first-round match and blames the tournament schedule for his loss.
Junhui, while speaking about his encounter against O’Sullivan said, “He didn't play well in those frames. And in general, I also played badly and always felt confused. He (O’Sullivan) is a great man and very kind to people. Congratulations to him. For Chinese
players, it is always not easy to play here. I plan to go back to China tomorrow. Having a good festival with family is what I need now.”
On the other hand, Judd Trump and Stuart Bingham will be playing their initial-round match to book a quarter-final berth against O’Sullivan.
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