Graeme Dott has hit the front in the race for the official world No.1 spot after winning the China Open on Sunday. The Scot won his first title since last year's World Championship by beating Jamie Cope 9-5 in the final in Beijing.

Dott leapfrogs Ken Doherty to go top of the provisional rankings going into the defence of his world title. He leads the Dubliner by 1,975 points.

However, every player down to Ding Junhui in ninth place will go to Sheffield with a chance of finishing the season in pole position.

Cope reached his second ranking final of the season but had to settle for the runner-up prize, just as he did against Neil Robertson at the Grand Prix.

He is up seven places to 16th in the rankings although his failure to qualify for the World Championship means that he cannot gain an official top 16 place.

Ronnie O'Sullivan is up three spots to sixth after losing in the last four, while the other semi-finalist Barry Hawkins climbs three places to No.14.

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