Ding Junhui felt 'at home' at Crucible for first time

Ding Junhui says he felt at home at the Crucible for the first time after losing 18-14 to Mark Selby in the World Snooker Championship final on Monday.

Having fallen 6-0 behind in Sunday's opening session, Ding showed tremendous character to make a contest of the match.

However, the Chinese - Asia's first representative in the final - ultimately left himself with too much to do, allowing Selby to collect his second world crown.

"It's the first time I've ever felt like I'm playing at home," he said. "All the fans wanted me to win the title! They love to see players from other countries winning it.

"I played well in the last session and I think I enjoyed myself more in the end. The start was very bad, especially against a player like Mark."

But Ding maintains a positive outlook and views his run from the qualifiers to the final as progress in his bid to become snooker's maiden Asian world champion.

"Five years ago I got to the semis, this time I went one better. Maybe next time I'll win it," he added.

"This is a good experience, so I don't worry too much.

"I may never have the chance again, but I enjoyed the final."