English Open: Ding Junhui docked frame for wearing wrong trousers

2 October 2023

Ding Junhui was docked the opening frame during his 4-3 win over Ma Hailong at the English Open for turning up in the wrong trousers.

China's Ding wore brown trousers, forgetting that the dress code at the event in Brentwood is all black.

The 36-year-old sent a friend to buy some trousers from a shop nearby, but had to forfeit the opening frame after starting the match late.

"I totally forgot I needed a black shirt and trousers," said Ding., external

"My memory is not good. I didn't think about it. Once I was playing I tried to just concentrate on the match.

"Luckily Ma's safety was not that good and he gave me enough chances to win."

Ding, a 14-time ranking event winner, fell 3-1 behind before battling back to take the final three frames and defeat his Chinese counterpart.

Allen hits four consecutive tons in win

Elsewhere, Mark Allen reeled off four consecutive centuries to defeat Mostafa Dorgham 4-0 in their first-round encounter.

The Northern Irishman joins Neil Robertson as the only players to win a best-of-seven-frame match with four successive tons.

Robertson suffered a 4-2 defeat by Sanderson Lam in their first-round contest.

Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan is also through to the second round, beating Andrew Pagett 4-0.

He is joined by fellow multiple world champion John Higgins, who defeated Marco Fu 4-3.