Ding V Hendry

If it is all about stats, then this will be a procession for the great Chinese hope.

However, we all know that Hendry has not found any kind of form throughout the season and comes to Sheffield, a shadow of someone who rightly holds the "Greatest Player Ever" tag. None of that matters though,as Hendry still has great matches in him, and if he is going to produce anywhere, it is likely to be here.

He got out of HMP Crucible on Monday, with a 10-9 win over Mark Allen, a win that could just be the catalys that fires the seven-times champ into gear.

Ding made his debut here last year, or at least watched as O'Sullivan exhibited his skills. This time around, he nicked a decider from Marco Fu and could be ready to fulfil all of his Eastern Promise.

This is a classic "Experience v Youth" encounter and it could go either way. The fact that the bookies have Ding as fairly heavy favourite would make Hendry good value, but we think the times are changing and Youth will prevail.

Cuetips Verdict - Ding Junhui

		v
2007/08 Stats	Ding Junhui (China)		Stephen Hendry (Scotland)
Frame % Win	55.28		49.53
Pts For	14329		10570
Pts For Average	58.25		49.86
Pts Against	11480		10958
Pts Against Average	46.67		51.69
Highest Break	143		130
50+ Breaks	91		60
50 Break-Rate	2.70		3.53
100+ Breaks	27		11
100 Break-Rate	9.11		19.27
Odds*	4/9		13/8

*odds quoted by 888.com - 23/4/2008

emerald