BEIJING - Ding Junhui received another financial boost on Tuesday when he collected a 200,000 yuan ($29,300) cheque from Gan Lianfang, president of the Beijing Xing Pai Group, for his second-place finish at the China Open last week and his world No 1 singles ranking for the 2009-2010 season.
After winning the UK Championship last December - beating world champion John Higgins 10-8 after a hard-fought final, Ding reached the final of the China Open before eventually going down 10-6 to former world No 1 Mark Williams. Ding thus was ranked No 1 in the world for the 2009-2010 season.
Ding's recent success has also won him greater popularity among fans.
His busy schedule saw him miss the chance to celebrate his 23rd birthday on April 1 due to the China Open.
However, China's leading portal, sohu.com, organized an on-line and live birthday party for him on Tuesday.
More than 100 fans attended the party and presented him with gifts.
Ding also made a big birthday wish: to win the World Championship title later this month.
"I made such a wish because it will inspire me to work harder."
Ding said he would not feel any increased pressure despite the high expectations of his fans.
"A wish is just a wish. It inspires me rather than puts pressure on me. I am very happy with my form right now. As long as I play my best game, I do not care if I win or lose."
Ding flew to England on Wednesday to prepare for the World Championship.