Car: 94 Honda Accord EX

Problem: CEL shows a code 9

Symptoms: Engine cough/sputter randomly sometimes at start up, acceleration. It started dying immediately after start-up lately.

Are these symptoms consistent with the No. 1 cylinder position sensor problem?

I know I might have to replace the distributor. Could it be possible that a bad ignition timing can cause this CEL to show up and cause the the car to die as describe above?

Thank you.