China's Liang Wenbo has reached the main draw of the Welsh Open, but his compatriot, Ding Junhui, has failed to make the grade this time.

Liang won his first appearance in the main draw of a professional tournament after beating rival, Rory McLeod, 5-3.

However, Ding Junhui, who rattled in three century breaks in a 5-0 demolition of opponent Robin Hull the previous day, failed to reproduce such outstanding form Thursday night.

In a battle between two young talents, China's 18-year-old Ding failed to match up with the world's number 34, 23-year-old Ricky Walden, and lost the match 5-3.

(CRI English January 27, 2006)