Ding Junhui is the 2012 Welsh Open champion after beating world number one Mark Selby 9-6 in the final in Newport on Sunday evening.

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The Chinese ace secured his fifth career ranking event, his first in almost three years, with a superb performance against an in-form opponent.

In a high quality final, Ding pulled away midway through, coming out firing after being level at 2-2 at the mid-session to go into the evening session 5-3 in front.

He then made a break of 124 to lead 7-5 at the mid-session interval and stayed in top gear in frame 13 with a 130 total clearance to go three up with four to play.

Despite a 145 break (the highest of the tournament) from Selby, Ding kept his cool with a fine mixture of tactical and attacking play to cross the line at 9-6.

The 24-year-old banished what has been a poor season by his own standards by defeating top class opponents along the way including John Higgins and Shaun Murphy.

"It feels great," said Ding after the match. "I was nervous during the final and missed a few chances. Mark kept the pressure on me and it was a hard game. In practice I have been feeling good and playing like I was a few years ago."

He takes home a cheque for £30,000 and lays down a firm marker going into the upcoming major events including the World Championship in April.