Ding Junhui docked frame for wearing wrong trousers in first English Open match – ‘My memory is not good’

Ding Junhui was docked a frame in his opening English Open match after arriving late because he had worn the wrong trousers.

He turned up for his match against Ma Hailong in Brentwood on Monday wearing his usual brown trousers, which isn’t allowed at the English Open given it has an “all black shirt and trousers” dress code.

Ding had no option but to send a friend to the local shops to pick up a suitable pair, and forfeit the opening frame for being late.

“I didn’t think about it. Once I was playing I tried to just concentrate on the match. Luckily Ma’s safety was not that good and he gave me enough chances to win.”

Already a frame down, Junhui fell 3-1 behind before fighting back to win the following three frames to beat his compatriot.

There has already been an early upset with Neil Robertson exiting on day one. He was beaten by 72nd-ranked Brit Sanderson Lam 4-2.