Cao Yupeng has captured the gold medal in the Men’s Singles at the 2013 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in South Korea.
In an all-Chinese final, Cao beat compatriot Ding Junhui 4-2 in a contest that lacked much fluidity.
The 22 year-old, who many tip to be the Chinese player who can finally join Ding in the higher echelons of the game, had earlier beaten Saleh Mohammad Mohammadi of Afghanistan 4-1 in comfortable fashion.
Actually, that easy success was probably the precursor to him claiming the gold because Ding’s last four clash with Aditya Mehta was a much longer affair.
In an encounter that lasted almost four hours, Ding eventually prevailed 4-2 and, despite compiling a superb 123 clearance to go 2-1 ahead in the final, he became visibly spent thereafter.
Cao remained steady, with a succession of 40 breaks the order of the day and he ground his opponent down to seal what will surely be a memorable victory for him – and confidence he can build on for the remainder of this fledgling season.
The atmosphere at the Songdu Convensia in Incheon was pretty dead, with an ignorance for the game clear to be seen.
It’s not the crowd’s fault really – they don’t know the etiquette of the sport to know any better – but it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that you shouldn’t walk, talk and take pictures loudly while players are down on a shot.
At times, it was a little calamitous.
But never mind, it was good to see snooker in South Korea and hopefully it wont be an isolated occasion.
