XI’AN, China – Ding Junhui advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Snooker Xi’an Grand Prix on Friday, defeating Oliver lines 5-1 and setting up a Saturday clash with Shaun Murphy.
Ding secured consecutive frame wins with breaks of 63 and 134, leading 3-1 at the intermission.He then closed out the match with breaks of 83 and 121, eliminating the world No.64.
“My physical condition is good, and my performance has been stable in these rounds. I think I’m playing better than in the last two days,” said the 38-year-old Ding. “The home crowd gives Chinese players great support and encouragement, helping us stay focused and execute our shots well.”
Murphy earned his quarterfinal berth with a 5-0 victory over Kyren Wilson, intentionally fouling in the final frame after a break of 101 to award Wilson six points. A further 15 points would have established a new personal scoring record for Murphy in ranking events.
“It is indeed a great feeling, that are the moments that we put the practice for,” Murphy told Xinhua. “If I could play like that every day, I will be a very happy person.”
In other matches, Ronnie O’Sullivan defeated Jak Jones 5-1, Daniel wells won over Robert Milkins 5-2, Liam Pullen defeated Aaron Hill 5-1, and Mark Williams secured a 5-4 comeback victory against Barry Hawkins.
Chinese rising star He Guoqiang lost to Gary Wilson 5-0, despite a strong start in the first frame. He Guoqiang, who previously defeated Neil Robertson to reach the last 16, expressed disappointment. “I could have won the first frame, it was a pity that I failed to win any frame,” He said. “I beat Neil Robertson and reached the last 16 round in Xi’an. For me, the result is a millstone.”
The tournament is scheduled to conclude on October 13.
