DOZY Ding Junhui was docked a frame at the English Open for turning up at the venue with the WRONG clothes.
China’s greatest-ever cueist arrived at the Brentwood Leisure Centre on Monday morning while wearing his standard combo of brown waistcoat and trousers.
GETTYDing Junhui faced Ma Hailong in the English Open qualifier on Monday[/caption]
BBBCDing revealed after the match he was docked a frame for wearing the wrong trousers[/caption]
However, the dress code for the Home Nations Series tournaments is all-black and officials told him he was not allowed to play in that clobber.
The 36-year-old had to make a quick dash with a pal to a local Marks & Spencer clothes shop to buy a new outfit that complied with the event rules.
Ding, a three-time UK Champion, ended up being late for his held-over qualifier with compatriot Ma Hailong, which started at 10am, and he had no choice other than to forfeit the opening frame.
In the end, Ding hit breaks of 101, 51 and 84 as he came from 3-1 down to succeed 4-3.
Ding, who now faces Englishman David Grace in the first round, said: “I totally forgot that I needed a black shirt and trousers for this tournament.
“I turned up and I was told I needed black trousers and a black shirt.
“My friend drove and got me the clothes from Marks & Spencer.
“It was stupid really. My memory is not good! Sometimes I just forget things.
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Snooker fans were quick to comment on Ding’s trouser fiasco, with one saying: “Clothes issues.”
Another said: “Not a good look on @WeAreWST… Ding actually looked pretty dapper!”
And another said: “Stupid rule.
“It’s like a team conceding a goal because the goalkeeper forgot to wear his shinpads.”
One remarked: “I think the all-black look is quite boring.
“But you can’t blame players for playing safe given the different rules right now.”
Along with a GIF from Wallace and Gromit ‘The Wrong Trousers’, another chimed in: “Ding Junhui this morning.”
GETTYDing Junhui beat Ma Hailong by four frames to three[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
