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LONDON, May 10-- China's former world number one Ding Junhui was inducted into the world snooker Hall of Fame at the annual World Snooker Awards ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel in central London on Thursday. Ding, ranked sixth in the world, became the 29th man to receive the honor which was introduced in 2011. The 31-year-old, who has won 13 ranking events and had a huge influence on the growth of snooker in China over the past 15 years, became the second Asian to be inducted into the Hall of Fame after Thailand's Sindhu Pulsirivong, the long-serving president of the Billiard Sports Association of Thailand. Jason Ferguson, the Chairman of World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), praised Ding as a "great ambassdor" for snooker. "It is very difficult to comprehend the contribution Ding has made," Ferguson said. "He is a great asset to the sport." Ding, who won the World Cup with compatriot Liang Wenbo and the World Open this season, said it is a great honor not just for himself but for his country. "It's amazing to receive this award," he said. "I think this honor belongs to everybody who loves snooker and to the fans and friends who have been behind me over the years. I hope that they can come to share the honor with me." World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn was also inducted into Hall of Fame for his efforts in promoting the sport. Ronnie O'Sullivan and newly-crowned world champion Mark Williams each won two categories at the annual ceremony. | 
