Ding Junhui blames shock defeat on tables and fans

Chinese snooker player Ding Junhui plays against Ryan Day during the first round of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, April 25, 2012. [Photo/CFP]

SHEFFIELD, England - China's top snooker player Ding Junhui showed his dissatisfaction to tables and fans in the Crucible Theatre after he suffered a first-round 10-9 defeat to Ryan Day of Wales at the world championship on Wednesday.

"I don't think I played well. I don't think tables are right. I don't think fans are right. All rubbish," said Ding after the five hours and 36 minutes seesaw battle.

The 25-year-old, who trailed Day 5-4 in the first session, succeeded to overtake today and consolidated a 9-6 advantage, seemingly to clinch a comeback victory under the best of 19 frames.

Ryan Day of Wales plays against Ding Junhui during the first round of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, April 25, 2012. [Photo/CFP]

However, the 32-year-old Day, who lost all the previous four meets against Ding, fought his way back to snatch three straight frames, levelling the score to 9-9.

In the last frame, Ding, the world number 10, made an mistaken shot to the red when leading 48-2, handing the game to the world 35th ranked opponent.

Ding said he was disappointed to the fans' performances. "I concentrated on games. But they keep shake, like shouting you know, how can they do that? "

"People say Chinese fans are good or no good. Ok, I'm here, what they do?"

Ding, who has so far collected the titles of Masters and UK championship, has to wait for next year to compete for his first crown in the world championship. The three events are tipped as the "big three" of a snooker season.

He also missed the chance to meet his compatriot Cao Yupeng in the last 16. Day will play Cao on Friday.

The tournament is running from April 21 to May 7. It has been staged at the Crucible Theatre since 1977.

Chinese snooker player Ding Junhui reacts during his first round of the World Snooker Championship against Ryan Day at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, April 25, 2012. [Photo/CFP]