CHINA’S Ding Junhui is one victory away from his third U.K. Championship title as China’s top snooker player defeated compatriot Yan Bingtao 6-2 in the semifinal Saturday.

Ding started the match well by winning the first three frames. The 19-year-old Yan, who ousted world No. 4 Neil Robertson and veteran John Higgins back-to-back, pulled two frames back to 2-4 but failed to hold off an in-form Ding in the following two frames.

“I played well in leading 3-0, there must be huge pressure for him,” said Ding, reaching the final at the U.K. Championships for third time after a decade.

Ding, 32, had failed to win any ranking event title for more than two years, but has shown a recovery of form in York where he ousted defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan 6-4 to grab a quarterfinal berth.

“I’m pleased that I can play in this form at this age,” said Ding, who welcomed his first kid, a daughter, last year.

Yan won his first ranking title at the Riga Masters earlier this season and is among the top 20 in the world rankings.

Ding is to play against Stephen Maguire in the final, who smashed Mark Allen 6-0 Saturday evening.(Xinhua)