LONDON, Dec. 3 -- China's Ding Junhui said on Wednesday that he is very "proud" to become the first ever Asian world number one.

"I am very proud," the two-time UK Championship winner told Xinhua. "It's a great honor as a Chinese to become the world number one."

The 27-year-old will become No. 1 when snooker's world rankings are revised at the end of the UK Championship on Sunday.

Ding suffered a shock 6-5 defeat against James Cahill in the last 32 in York on Tuesday night, but has done enough to take over from Mark Selby at the top of the list since defending champion Neil Robertson was beaten by Graeme Dott in the last 16.

"To be world No. 1 following the steps of so many legendary players, it's really a great encouragement for my career," he said.

He added that it will not impose any pressue on his preparation for future tournaments. "It makes me work harder," he said.