The World Snooker China open 2008 has started in Beijing.

Chinese snooker player Ding Junhui is to meet Joe Perry in the first round of the 2008 World Snooker China Open.

21-year-old Chinese snooker prodigy Ding Junhui claimed the championship at the first world snooker China open in 2005.
Ranking 18th in the world, Joe Perry said at the opening ceremony on Sunday that the game would be tough for him.

"I'm looking forward to the match. It's going to be a tough game. Ding is a fantastic player. I played him a couple of times and lost to him on both occasions. I'm in for a real tough game."

In the 2007-08 season, Ding Junhui beat former top-ranked players including O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, and Steve Davis - at the Snooker Premier League in England in December.

World top-16 players, including world No 1 Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Ken Doherty, and defending champion Graeme Dott, are set to join the annual tournament.

Eight Chinese snooker players will be competing for the final rounds of the two week tournament.