Ding Completes Win Over McGill

Ding Junhui finished off a comprehensive 13-4 defeat of Anthony McGill to reach the quarter-finals of the Betfred World Championship.

Asian number one Ding had all but secured victory in the first two sessions. A blistering display yesterday morning saw him storm to an 8-0 advantage. Scotland’s McGill then fought hard last night to share the frames. However, that left 2016 finalist Ding just one from victory and he secured the win in the opening frame this afternoon.

The Chinese star has now reached the quarter-final stage for the last four consecutive years. Ding has been installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to lift the title, with Betfred pricing him at 9/4. Few would argue against that, considering that the 13-time ranking event winner has won 23 of his 30 frames in the tournament.

Ding, who will now face Barry Hawkins in the last eight, said: “The first session was unbelievable. I played well to lead 8-0 and to end the second session 12-4 up was good as well. This afternoon I was able to get a quick frame to win it. I felt good. I was playing well and I’m looking forward to the next one. Barry Hawkins is a tough player to beat so it’s going to be a difficult match tomorrow.

“I think I need to play well to be the favourite and keep my form at the same level every day. Otherwise, I can’t be the favourite.

“I still need to improve and I need to stay focused. There’s a long way to go and a lot of frames to play. The final is still far away. I’m just thinking about the next match, that makes it easier.”

McGill said: “I thought I had a good few chances, but I just kept missing easy shots. When you get beat you’re always going to look at it from your point of view and I know there was so much I could have done better. Ding can only do what he does. He’s a phenomenal player, his cue ball control is just out of this world. His technique is  to die for. He is some player and It’d have been great to have a front row seat watching it.”