Paul Hunter beat both Peter Ebdon and China's own Ding Junhui in Beijing on Sunday to win the 2004 World Snooker Sohu China Challenge.

The series of exhibition matches was set up to celebrate the launch of a partnership between World Snooker and China's leading internet site Sohu.com.

The event gained more than three hours live coverage to a massive viewership on Chinese television.

Hunter edged the final against Junhui 4-3 after Ding had opened a 2-0 lead, with a run of 102 in the second frame. Breaks of 77 and 73 brought Hunter level and he edged a tactical fifth as well. Ding ran in 77 to send the match into a decider, but sadly for the Chinese fans Hunter held the upper hand throughout to run out an 81-4 winner.

Earlier in the day Hunter compiled breaks of 69 and 100 to beat Peter Ebdon 2-0.

Hunter collected a $50,000 winner's cheque, while Junhui took $30,000 as runner-up and Ebdon pocketed $20,000.

As part of the launch festivities all three players took part in a live chat room and also played exhibition matches against local Chinese players, one of whom, fifteen year old Xiao Li won a qualifying tournament for the chance to play. Li's ambition already is to emulate the achievements of Ding Junhui and become a leading professional player.

During the 'snooker chat' Peter Ebdon had high praise for the talents of Ding saying "His cue ball control in break building is extraordinary.  He's the best 17 year old ever and I expect him to win a World Championship in the next 5 years."

Ebdon was also enthusiastic about the new World Snooker/Sohu link up. "I hope it will be the beginning of a very exciting partnership."

In the Snooker chat Ebdon told the viewers that his proudest moment in snooker was winning the 2002 World title, but was then interrupted by Hunter who teased him by saying that he was too old to win another one!

Hunter then revealed to the Chinese viewers that it is his own ambition to win the World Championship, and he reckoned he'd still got time on his side.

He went on to give details about his marriage in the summer, which took place in Jamaica, and that his longest standing friend in the game, Matthew Stevens, flew out to attend the wedding. "Matthew and I have been mates for more than twelve years now."

At this point Ebdon dryly chipped in "I haven't got any friends!"

One the subject of interests and pets Ebdon reiterated his love of horses, while Paul Hunter said he'd got two dogs and a goldfish but then stated an ambition to own a giraffe!

RESULTS

Semi Final

Paul Hunter (69,100) 2-0 Peter Ebdon

Final

Paul hunter (77,73) 4-3 (102,77) Ding Junhui

RESOURCES

Beijing Lido Holiday Inn