Ding Junhui swapped his cue for a microphone to join the commentary team for the semi-final of the World Snooker China Open and received a higher-than-expected audience rating.

Ding, who lost in the first round of the tournament against Barry Hawkins, was invited by China Central Television (CCTV) to broadcast live for the semi-final between Shaun Murphy and Mark Selby on Saturday, receiving 0.04% more audience than the previous day matches.

Ding's broadcasting appeal won better audience ratings than the third round matches of the China Super League and Game 4 of China Basketball Association (CBA).