Could 2018 be just the ticket for Ding Junhui at Crucible?

Such is the demand for seats to snooker’s most prestigious event, organisers know many sessions will sell-out when they open for business this morning.

And Ding, edged out in Saturday’s semi-final losing 17-15 by defending champion Mark Selby, has his sights firmly on 2018.

Only a missed blue from Ding at 16-15 prevented the Chinese potter from levelling, to force a final-frame decider.

It gifted Selby - the world No 1 who also beat Ding in last year’s Crucible final - victory, and left the 30-year-old to rue his miss.

Ding said: “If I hadn’t missed that blue it would definitely have gone to a final frame.

“Mark played well in the end. I should have won more frames and taken my chances earlier in the session. I had too many mistakes but that is what happens. I can see myself improving a lot, I played with more confidence and more aggression.

“I’m disappointed to lose when I played well, but sometimes you have to take it, because it is sport. I’ve got more experience here, I’m just over 30 and there is still a long way to go and many years left here. I believe next year will be good.”