Ding has a lady, and that's OK

The chief of world snooker believes Ding Junhui's love for his girlfriend provided a boost to the Chinese star's career.

The 24-year-old snooker star came under even greater media scrutiny after several photos of him and his girlfriend were released on the Internet.

It was the first time the low-key young man's relationship was revealed to the public, and it shifted focus to his private life rather than his early exit at the Shanghai Masters.

He lost to Englishman Martin Gould, 5-3, in the first round.

However, Barry Hearn, the chairman of World Snooker, delivered his blessing to the young Chinese man and his lady love.

"The game of snooker is a totally mental one. You need to relax a little bit after putting up the cue. You need another area of life which you find rewarding. I am sure he is very happy with his new young lady. I am sure his enjoyment of life will make him a better player," Hearn told China Daily before the Shanghai event.

With his experience managing star players, Hearn said private affairs could be either a distraction or a catalyst for players, depending on the individual.

"He (Ding) is quiet, but that doesn't mean to say he isn't a great guy off the table. Sometimes, having some fun, having a good relationship can be very good for you. For Ding, I think he will possibly be a better player with the knowledge of how happy he is (with a girlfriend)," Hearn said

Although all the Chinese players were eliminated in the opening round of the Shanghai meet, Hearn was still upbeat about the nation's snooker future.

"I think there are dozens of the next Ding hidden in China now," Hearn said.

"He is no doubt a great ambassador for China. We saw quality players, whose names are not heard in Europe, coming to Pro Tour events from China.

"They are not finished articles yet - they are works in progress. They show so much talent that you can understand that if they are given the experience and opportunities, they will shock a lot of people."

Sun Xiaochen