Reigning world champion John Higgins believes it’s just a matter of time before China’s Ding Junhui wins snooker’s most important tournament.

Higgins, who begins the defence of his world title against Ding’s compatriot Liang Wenbo at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre today, has long been an admirer of Asia’s most successful player.

While most of the pre-tournament attention has been on whether world number one Mark Selby will win a maiden world title to set alongside his ranking or fellow Englishman Judd Trump will go one better, after losing in last year’s final, Higgins said Ding’s chances also deserved serious consideration.

The 25-year-old beat Higgins to win the second of his two UK Championships in 2009 and last year won the Masters, the sport’s other major event.

And Higgins said: “You look at Ding. I’d be flabbergasted if he never wins a world title.”

Thanks mainly to the exploits of Ding, snooker has surged in popularity in China and the country now hosts three major pro events.

Ding put a previously poor Crucible record behind him to reach the semi-finals last year, beating Selby in the quarters before leading Trump 15-14 only to lose 17-14.

Neil Robertson, the first Australian to win the world title when he triumphed in 2010, suffered a shock first round loss to Trump last year but beat Shaun Murphy to win the Masters in January.

The Aussie faces another potential banana skin when he comes up against 1997 champ Ken Doherty in the first round.

But arguably the tie of the first round is a clash between another two former champions in Ronnie O’Sullivan and Peter Ebdon.

O’Sullivan, when in form, is a brilliantly fluent player whereas Ebdon is a methodical, tactical ‘grinder’.