World Championship: Hossein Vafaei sets up Ronnie O’Sullivan showdown after fine display to beat Ding Junhui

Hossein Vafaei produced the first Crucible victory of his career with a 10-6 win over world No. 16 Ding Junhui to progress to the second round.

Against Ding, Vafaei began the session 5-4 down but he stylishly reeled off four frames in a row to take a commanding lead.

The Iranian got off to the perfect start with a break of 117 before following up with another ton to take a 6-5 lead. He made it three in a row thanks to a run of 68.

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Nevertheless, Vafaei continued his spectacular performance by going into an 8-5 lead at the interval with a half century.

Ding left Vafaei needing three snookers after missing a red to the yellow on 77, but he quickly conceded and the Chinese player got his first frame of the day.

But Vafaei continued to play some of his best snooker, producing a break of 89 after starting it with a fine plant into the middle pocket to move to within one frame of the next round.

Vafaei held his nerve to seal his maiden Crucible victory in the next frame.

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