Welsh Open 2012 (the final) - Ding leading Selby after first session

Ding in the lead

After no less than eight frames played in Newport, China's Ding Junhui proved to be a bit too strong for Leicester's Mark Selby and took the lead 5-3.

The final battle of cues started with Selby performing a 103 clearance, to which Ding responded with a 64 break. 

During the next frame the 2008 Welsh Open champion made another clearance, this time of 126 points, Ding having to fight a lot in order to draw level 2-2 at the interval.

Although Selby was favourite to take a two frame advantage as the mid-session interval was kicking off, the Englishman missed to pot the last green, thus Ding returning to the table. However, his run was suddenly stopped by a missed pink. 

Selby was given a life-line but didn't make too much of it as he only potted the pink and failed to send the black into one of the six pockets. Ding returned to pot the last remaining ball and set the scoreline at 2-2.

After the mini-break, the little Chinese player decided to put his nose in front for the very first time, a top break of 40 getting him a 3-2 lead, while a strategic 90 was extending his domination by two points.

Selby needs a comeback

Selby fought back with a 66 to pull back one and when his opponent missed a black of its spot during the 8^th frame it seemed like the first session will end on a draw. 

Still, 19 points later Selby was missing the blue, Ding closing the frame with a 51 break that was seeing the Englishman in need of three snooker.

Several minutes later, the blue surrender under Ding's precisely cue action, the scoreboard showing a 5-3 result as the first session was coming to an end.

The action returns from 7pm when the battle of cues will continue. First to cash nine frames will be crowned champion.