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The wrong trousers cost Chinese snooker start Ding Junhui frame in English Open win

  • Player handed penalty after forgetting about all-black dress code for London tournament
  • Ding recovered from going 3-1 down to beat compatriot Ma Hailong in Brentwood

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China’s Ding Junhui, seen here at last month’s Shanghai Masters in his usual attire, forgot about the English Open’s dress code. Photo: AFP

Chinese snooker player Ding Junhui had to forfeit the opening frame for wearing the wrong trousers in his 4-3 victory over compatriot Ma Hailong at the English Open on Monday.

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The 36-year-old donned his usual brown snooker suit with bow tie and waistcoat, having forgotten about the all-black dress code for the event held in Brentwood near London.

“I totally forgot that I needed a black shirt and trousers for this tournament,” Ding was quoted as saying on the World Snooker Tour website.

“My memory is not good! I didn’t think about it. Once I was playing, I tried to just concentrate on the match.”

Despite a friend’s quick run to a store to purchase the correct uniform, Ding was late for the start of the match by the time he was ready to play and was docked the opening frame.

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After falling behind 3-1, the 14-time ranking event winner made a strong comeback by winning the last three frames.

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