Intro:

The world's elite potters are meeting in Beijing for one of the top snooker events of the year - 2012 China Open.

Script:

Snooker's elite have been utilising their delicate touch to prepare for the start of the China Open in a different way.

Stephen Hendry and Mark Williams were amongst the top potters trying to impress the locals with their art work.

But it was national favourite Ding Junhui who attracted most of the attention.

The 24-year-old could meet Mark Selby in the last-16 if both men win their first round ties, but Ding isn't thinking that far ahead.

SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Ding Junhui

"I really don't care about the draw. I will try my best to play well in the first game."

Ding has helped expand snooker's fan base in Asia and television audiences for his matches have exceeded 100 million viewers.

Shaun Murphy reached the final of the China Open in 2008, and the Englishman admits he always looks forward to playing in the tournament.

SOUNDBITE(English) Shaun Murphy

"It's something that we always very excited to see fans here who are the best in the world, and their enthusiasm grows every year. Without their support, the tournament will not be so successful, so they are the most important."

Murphy and Ding will hope to make it to Sunday's final, where the winner will pocket US$ 118,000.