Riyadh Season World Masters: Ding Junhui sets up clash with Ali Carter after whitewash win as golden ball debuts

Ding Junhui cruised to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Omar Alajlani on Monday to advance into the next round of the Riyadh Season World Masters.

The world No. 9 looked in control throughout his whitewash win and set up a clash with Ali Carter which will take place on Monday evening.

The wild card match also saw the introduction of the Golden Ball at the inaugural invitational event in Saudi Arabia.

The first golden ‘167 maximum break’ in snooker history will be rewarded with a huge £395,000 cheque at this event.

After going 1-0 up in the opening frame, Ding looked on course to become the first player to get himself in position for the 167, but had to settle for a break of 66 to double his lead.

Ding followed that up with another break of 66 before scoring 95 points to wrap up the game.

“I’m happy to be here and to play again with Omar and looking forward to playing well again,” he said after the match.

When asked about his upcoming clash against Carter, Ding replied: “He’s doing good this season, it’s tough to play him so looking forward to it tonight.”

Ding finished the match with a pot rate of 79% and scored a total of 358 points on his way to the next round.

John Higgins will play against Ali Alobaidli in the next wild card match and the winner will face Mark Williams later on Monday.