Plenty of Eurosport viewers glued to the China Open have asked expert commentator Mike Hallett his opinion on a variety of snooker matters - and he has been only too happy to oblige.

Is it true that Ding has the chance to become the youngest world champion in history if he wins the 2008 tournament? (Yossi)

Yes - he would be the youngest by three months. Stephen Hendry's win in 1990 is the record, and Ding has to win at the Crucible this year to beat it.

Do you feel that the Americans will ever be as successful at the fine game of snooker as the English? And with the number of great pool players in America, why is snooker not as popular? (Alexandra J)

No, I'm afraid not. The cue action is not the same - and the game has never been taken over there and sold to the public.

When did you start playing snooker? At what age do you consider it too late for someone to become a professional? (Jeff)

I was 10 when I started. It is never too late to take up the game or make it as a pro.

What is the lowest frame score in a competitive match? (John-Henry G)

That would be a British Open qualifier between Graham Horne and Barry Mapstone in 1996. There were 50 points scored - Herne won 34-16.

What happened to the Irish Masters? (Charlie B)

The event no longer has a sponsor and so lost its ranking on the calendar.

Is there a standard regarding the cloth and the cushions on the tables the guys are playing on? Or do the players have to get to know each table? (Mr P)

Yes, they are all the same - but it is the atmospheric changes that affect how they play. Table two on Wednesday was jumping all over the place because of the atmosphere. Of course, the players cannot play on a table before the tournament - only the practice tables.

Do players have different tactics against different players? Or do they just play their game? (Bar)

Yes - they play to their opponent's weaknesses.

Do you expect Chinese players to dominate the main tour in the next five years or even sooner? (Giedrius)

It's a possibility. We'll have to wait and see!

How would you go about playing a one-frame match? Do you have any practice routines that you would use before a match? (Damien)

I would approach it as I would any other match. You can only take each frame as it comes.

-

Follow comprehensive China Open coverage LIVE on Eurosport TV and uk.eurosport.yahoo.com! Eurosport is available on Sky 410 and Virgin Media 521; Eurosport 2 is available on Sky 411 and Virgin Media 525

Mike Hallett / Eurosport