China's Liang Wenbo wins first ranking title

China's Liang Wenbo takes a shot during his match against Judd Trump in the final of the inaugural English Open in Manchester, UK on Oct 16, 2016. [Photo/IC]

LONDON - China's Liang Wenbo won his first ranking title after beating former world number one Judd Trump 9-6 in the final of the inaugural English Open in Manchester on Sunday.

Liang went ahead 5-2 and led 5-3 after the first session. Trump, having won last week's European Masters, launched a fierce fightback and made it 6-7. Liang made a brilliant clearance in the 14th frame to go 8-6 ahead.

The 29-year-old Chinese held his nerve and won the following two frames for the title, lifting the new Steve Davis Trophy and pocketing a cheque for 70,000 pounds.

Liang also became the only player from the Chinese mainland other than Ding Junhui to win a world ranking title. His two previous ranking finals were the 2009 Shanghai Masters when he lost 10-5 to Ronnie O'Sullivan and last year's UK Championship when he was beaten by Neil Robertson of Australia.