Selby and Ding progress to last 64, but Bingham suffers shock defeat

ByEurosport

Updated 15/02/2016 at 23:47 GMT

Mark Selby and Ding Junhui reached the Welsh Open last 64, but there was a shock defeat for world champion Stuart Bingham in the first round at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff.

Mark Selby

Image credit: Imago

World number one Selby was a 4-0 winner against Duane Jones with a highest break of 80.

“Best of seven is so cut-throat and often throws up shocks left, right and centre,” said Selby.

“I’m sure this tournament will be no different, so you need to be on your toes from the very start. I didn’t play well today, but fortunately I didn’t get punished.”

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Ding Junhui made runs of 86 and 79 in completing a 4-1 success against Steven Hallworth.

“I have done a lot of work with (coach) Terry Griffiths and he has helped me,” said Ding.

“We’ve been going through what to do every day in practice and I have learned a lot. My ranking is not going well so I will try to do my best to stay in the top 16.”

Four-times world champion and defending champion John Higgins enjoyed a 4-0 win over Andy Hicks.

But there was a shock reverse for Bingham in losing 4-1 to Anthony Hamilton, who completed an immaculate clearance of 74 to seal his progress.

Earlier in the day, former UK champion Stephen Maguire suffered a shock exit in losing 4-3 to Martin O'Donnell.

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