Ding Junhui dominates the opening session of the UK Championship final in York

Ding Junhui fired three centuries to claim his fourth UK Championship victory after a dominant first course in the final against Mark Allen in York.

The Chinese, who has slipped to 38th in the world rankings, is trying to become the first ranked player to win the prestigious event since winning his first title in 2005.

And after giving Ronnie O’Sullivan his first major whitewash early in the tournament, Ding was once again on relentless form to take a 6-2 lead in the final session on Sunday night.

Rounds of 52 and 70 put Ding in command, and although Allen pulls in a third, Ding’s successive century breaks of 126 and 135 on either side of the break prove his complete control.

Allen looked all over as he gave up two good chances to edge Ding into a 5-1 lead, and was punished mercilessly next when he missed a straight red that allowed Ding to enter for a quick break of 102.

Allen gave himself a glimmer of hope when he tapped a missed red by Ding in the final frame of the afternoon session to put together a frame winning 79.

Ding Junhui fired three centuries to claim his fourth UK Championship victory after a dominant first course in the final against Mark Allen in York.

The Chinese, who has slipped to 38th in the world rankings, is trying to become the first ranked player to win the prestigious event since winning his first title in 2005.

And after giving Ronnie O’Sullivan his first major whitewash early in the tournament, Ding was once again on relentless form to take a 6-2 lead in the final session on Sunday night.

Turns 52 and 70 put Ding in command, and although Allen pulls in a third, Ding’s successive breaks on centuries of 126 and 135 either side of the break prove his complete control.

Allen looked all over as he gave up two good chances to edge Ding into a 5-1 lead, and was punished mercilessly next when he missed a straight red that let Ding in for a quick break of 102.

Allen gave himself a glimmer of hope when he tapped a missed red by Ding in the final frame of the afternoon session to put together a frame winning 79.

Ding Junhui fired three centuries to claim his fourth UK Championship victory after a dominant first course in the final against Mark Allen in York.

The Chinese, who has slipped to 38th in the world rankings, is trying to become the first ranked player to win the prestigious event since winning his first title in 2005.

And after giving Ronnie O’Sullivan his first major whitewash early in the tournament, Ding was once again on relentless form to take a 6-2 lead in the final session on Sunday night.

Rounds of 52 and 70 put Ding in command, and although Allen pulls in a third, Ding’s successive century breaks of 126 and 135 on either side of the break prove his complete control.

Allen looked all over as he gave up two good chances to edge Ding into a 5-1 lead, and was punished mercilessly next when he missed a straight red that let Ding in for a quick break of 102.

Allen gave himself a glimmer of hope when he tapped a missed red by Ding in the final frame of the afternoon session to put together a frame winning 79.

Ding Junhui fired three centuries to claim his fourth UK Championship victory after a dominant first course in the final against Mark Allen in York.

The Chinese, who has slipped to 38th in the world rankings, is trying to become the first ranked player to win the prestigious event since winning his first title in 2005.

And after giving Ronnie O’Sullivan his first major whitewash early in the tournament, Ding was once again on relentless form to take a 6-2 lead in the final session on Sunday night.

Rounds of 52 and 70 put Ding in command, and although Allen pulls in a third, Ding’s successive century breaks of 126 and 135 on either side of the break prove his complete control.

Allen looked all over as he gave up two good chances to edge Ding into a 5-1 lead, and was punished mercilessly next when he missed a straight red that allowed Ding to enter for a quick break of 102.

Allen gave himself a glimmer of hope when he tapped a missed red by Ding in the final frame of the afternoon session to put together a frame winning 79.