China's Ding storms into last eight at World Championship

SHEFFIELD, England, April 30 (Xinhua) -- China's Ding Junhui crushed Anthony McGill 13-4 to reach the quarterfinals of the World Championship here on Monday.

The 31-year-old Ding, who had held a commanding 12-4 lead after the first two sessions, secured the win in the opening frame of the third session in the afternoon.

The Chinese star has now reached the quarterfinal stage for the last four consecutive years. Ding has been installed by bookmaker Betfred favourite to lift the title.

Ding, who has won 13 ranking titles, will now face 2013 finalist Barry Hawkins in the last eight.

"The first session was unbelievable," Ding said to worldsnooker.com. "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 I'd have been great to have a front row seat watching it." Enditem