Ronnie sings Ding's praises

Ding Junhui, snooker's 16-year-old Chinese sensation, received a huge compliment from Ronnie O'Sullivan today.

Not even O'Sullivan made the same impact on his Masters debut as Ding did when he defeated world No16 Joe Perry 6-3 at Wembley, including two century breaks.

"I believe Ding will be world champion one day," said O'Sullivan, a first-round loser on his Wembley debut a decade ago. "I have seen him cue and he has all the shots," added the world No3. "I believe he is going to be a big star."

Ding will certainly command extra respect from Stephen Lee when they clash this evening for a place in the quarter-finals.

"Ding is a heavy scorer and he looks a quality act to me," said O'Sullivan after his 6-0 second-round win over Alan McManus.

Ding, a wild card entry, is already guaranteed £9,500 in prize money.