Ding Junhui is a Chinese professional snooker player and one of the most talented and popular players in the history of the sport. He became the first player from outside the traditional snooker-playing nations of Britain and Ireland to win a ranking event when he beat Steve Davis to claim the UK Championship in 2005 at just 18 years old.
His success transformed snooker's popularity in China, where the sport now has millions of fans and countless young players inspired by his achievements. Ding has won multiple ranking events and reached the final of the World Snooker Championship. His silky, stylish playing technique is admired throughout the sport.
He has been a consistent presence in the world's top 16 for nearly two decades and remains one of the most popular players on the snooker circuit. His contribution to growing the sport globally — particularly in Asia — has been immeasurable.