DING JUNHUI now stands just two wins away from winning his first ranking event in almost two years after a brilliant comeback victory earned him in a place in the World Grand Prix semi-finals.

China’s number one star looked to be heading out of the new ranking event at the last eight stage when he fell behind to rising Thailand star Thepchaiya Un-Nooh 3-1.

Ding Junhui. Picture by Monique Limbos

But Ding, who currently is in danger of not securing a guaranteed spot at World Championships next month. fought back in style to claim a thrilling 4-3 win and keep his top 16 ranking hopes alive.

Ding, whose last major ranking title glory came in the China Open in April 2014, will next face Shaun Murphy in a bid to reach Sunday’s World Grand Prix final.

Murphy, last year’s World Championship finalist, took less than an hour to secure his place in the last four following a brushing 4-0 win over China’s Liang Wenbo.

The other semi-final will see Stuart Bingham take on Joe Perry.