Ding Junhui plays at the International Championship on November 2, 2025 in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province. Photo: VCG

Chinese veteran snooker star Ding Junhui aims to defend his title at the International Championship, he told media as the tournament kicked off on Sunday in Nanjing, East China's ­Jiangsu Province. 

"Being able to achieve a good result is what drives me to play," Ding told the Global Times. 

He emphasized that whenever he enters a tournament, he gives it his full focus. "As long as I'm in the draw and my preparation - training and so on - is done properly, I hope to be able to get a good result," the former world No.1 said.

This edition of the International Championship boasts a total prize fund of 825,000 pounds ($1,085,287), with 175,000 pounds earmarked for the champion.

Ding is starting his title defense at a moment when Chinese representation in snooker is growing strongly. 

He now shares the lead with 28-year-old Zhao Xintong, who was crowned the world champion in 2025. 

Together with other Chinese players, they form a robust contingent of 19 Chinese players taking part in the 2025 event.

When asked about the wave of younger Chinese "post-2000" professional snooker players who now populate the world's top 32 rankings, Ding offered both praise and caution. 

"They practice hard, but in ranking tournaments they don't always deliver consistently outstanding results," Ding said. "You can't put too much pressure on the young players, and at the same time they mustn't become arrogant. They must keep working seriously in practice and in competition."