“In the pick of the first-round matches at the 2023 UK Championship, Ding Junhui secured a dramatic 6-5 victory against defending champion Mark Allen, despite feeling unwell. Ronnie Ou0027Sullivan praised Ding for being “clinical”, but admitted the three-time winner was “fortunate” to book a place in the round of 16 at York Barbican. Mark Williams also progressed, beating Fan Zhengyi.”