Ding fined for swearing

The Chinese player – who reached the semi-finals at the Crucible in 2011 – was fined £250 by the governing body’s disciplinary committee for his actions while speaking to the media on April 25 2012 after losing his first-round match 10-9 to Ryan Day.

Ding was expressing his frustration at what he perceived as poor conduct from the crowd after blowing a 9-6 lead against his Welsh opponent when he muttered a clearly audible swear word.

World Snooker have ruled that his actions were contrary to rule 1.1, which states: “Members shall, at all times (i.e. whether at a Tournament or not), behave in a proper and correct manner consistent with their status as professional sportsmen.”

Ding went on to say in the press conference: "I don't think the tables were right, I don't think the fans were right. It was all rubbish.

"They just kept shouting. People say Chinese fans are no good, but I'm here and what do they do?"