Ding Jun Hui, the 19-year-old from Shangai who has won three world-ranking titles in 20 months, is having difficulty in reconciling his obligations on the professional circuit with the desire of the Chinese authorities that he give maximum commitment to the Asian Games.

If Ding is involved in the individual final in Doha on December 7, he will have to rush back to start his defence of the UK title in York on the afternoon of December 9.

The Chinese are also insisting that he must compete in the doubles and three-man team events but this would make it impossible for him to play in the Betfred Premier League play-offs at Wythenshawe Forum, Manchester, on December 2-3.