German Masters Snooker: Yuan Sijun docked frame in stunning 5-2 win over Ding Junhui to book place in Berlin

Yuan Sijun claimed a stunning 5-2 win over Ding Junhui in German Masters qualifying, despite being docked a frame for returning late after the interval.

Yuan was 3-1 ahead heading into the break, but referee Oliver Maartel decided to penalise the 23-year-old by halving his lead.

There was an exchange between Maartel and Ding, who benefitted from his compatriot’s misdemeanour, as the referee explained what was happening.

Maartel said: “I docked him a frame because he was late. So it’s 3-2 and his break.”

He added: “If we come in and he’s not there, then he’s docked a frame. That’s the rule.”

It was a welcome intervention for the world No. 11, who was given a huge helping hand back into the contest after a punishing first session at the table.

Despite making a fast start to take the opening frame with a clearance of 50, Yuan hit back immediately and won the next three frames.

However, that lifeline for Ding counted for little in the end as Yuan took the sixth frame with a clearance of 102.

He would go onto seal an emphatic victory in the seventh frame to take the match 5-2, and will now face Aaron Hill in the first round of the main draw.

Meanwhile, European Masters champion Barry Hawkins eased past Stuart Carrington with a 5-2 win after claiming breaks of 103, 88, 69 and 138.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Sam Craigie prevailed by beating Sean O’Sullivan 5-2 while He Guoqiang battled his way past John Astley with a 5-4 win.

Finally, Aaron Hill booked a first-round clash with Yuan after a 5-3 win over Muhammad Asif.