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UK Snooker Championship: Despite feeling unwell, China's Ding Junhui edged reigning champion Mark Allen 6-5 in the opening round at the UK Snooker Championship in York.

As last year's finalist who lost to Allen 10-7, three-time UK champion Ding needed to win two qualifying matches this year to set up a clash with Allen, reports Xinhua.

The 36-year-old Ding looked struggled for having a fever, but surprisingly managed to edge Allen 6-5 to reach the second round.