Chinese teenager Ding Jun Hui warmed up for a weekend visit to the North-East by producing another dazzling display in Prestatyn last night to move to within two rounds of qualifying for the final stages of the Irish Masters.

Ding, 17, knocked in three century breaks to defeat 1991 World Matchplay champion Gary Wilkinson 5-1.

The exciting Shanghai youngster, who beat Jimmy White in last November's British Open, began the match with a run of 125.

Wilkinson won the second frame but potted only one ball in the next three frames as Ding weighed in with efforts of 110 and a 141 total clearance.

Ding, who has been awarded a wildcard for next month's Wembley Masters, could have pulled off a fourth century in the fifth frame but had to settle for 69 and a place in the third round.

Ding is part of the World Team taking on four of the region's best at Darlington's Dolphin Centre this weekend.

The Planet Snooker Challenge Match sees £10,000 go to the winning team. Ding, Paul Hunter, Matthew Stevens and Peter Ebdon take on Gary Wilson, Mike Dunn, Michael Rhodes and David Lilley.

Wilson lost in the first round of the Welsh Open, 5-3 to Tom Ford, but has progressed to the third qualifying round for the Citywest Irish Masters, after a 5-2 win over Paul Wykes and a 5-3 triumph against David Roe. He faces Nick Roe next.

At the weekend Dunn pushed Ding all the way in the qualifiers for the Welsh Open, going down 5-4.

Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are priced at £22.50 (£10 under-16s) for both days, £12 (£6) on Saturday and £14 (£7) on Sunday.

They are available on 0191 4911477 or 01325 388410