Selby expecting a Ding-dong battle

Mark Selby is relishing his China Open clash against Ding Junhui.

The Jester from Leicester beat Rod Lawler 5-2 in the first round at the Beijing Students University Stadium, and must now overcome home favourite Ding for a place in the quarter-finals.

“It will be a tough game against Ding. I’ve never played him in China before and I’m looking forward to it,” said Selby.

“I haven’t played competitively for two months and, with the World Championships starting in a couple of weeks, the harder the test will be good for my preparation.

“Hopefully I can go on a good run in this tournament.”

World No.7 Selby showed his battling qualities against Lawler, coming back from 50 points down in three frames.

The first four frames were shared, but Masters champion Selby came out after the interval to win three on the spin and close out the victory.

Selby, who fired in breaks of 57, 79 and 67, said: “It was a scrappy game, I won three frames from 50 behind which shows good character.

“I felt good after the interval, but Rod put me under pressure and played some good stuff.”