CHINA’S Ding Junhui overcame compatriot Liang Wenbo 13-12 in a classic second round encounter at the Betfred World Championship on Saturday.

    The victory sets up a quarterfinal showdown with five-time World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, who defeated Shaun Murphy 13-7.

    Last year’s finalist Ding lead 9-7 at the start of play in the afternoon, but momentum was on the side of the Firecracker. Liang put on a tremendous display of break-building, compiling runs of 84, 75, 130, 51 and 79 to claw himself back from 6-2 down.

    Liang burst out of the blocks again. Breaks of 58, 98 and 61 helped him to win three frames in a row and take the lead for the first time at 10-9. Ding was showing uncharacteristic signs of frustration at the table and seemed to be rattled by his compatriot. However, he took a vital frame before the mid-session to level at 10-10 and halt Liang’s surge into contention.

    The ferocious break-building pace continued after the interval. Liang edged back ahead with a run of 85, before an immediate response from Ding as he made 80 to level at 11-11.

    Liang moved 12-11 up and looked to be on the cusp of a huge victory over China’s top player. However, Ding showed tremendous resolve to make breaks of 132 and 70 and clinch victory in a superb contest 13-12.

    (SD-Agencies)