file photo of Ding Junhui. (Photo/Xinhua)
Chinese No. 1 Ding Junhui fought off a late surge from England's Matthew Selt to reach the last 16 at the Welsh Open in Cardiff on Wednesday.
Ding, who has slipped to world No. 12 from top position, scored a top break of 126 in the opening frame. He went on to lead 3-1 before Selt, ranked 21st in the world, made a strong comeback to pull it even at 3-3.
Bidding for his first ranking title in two years, Ding won the deciding frame 68-20 and set up a clash against Belgian rising star Luca Brecel, who remained on course for a third final within a fortnight as he knocked world number four Shaun Murphy.
"I think I have found my long-lost form," Ding told Xinhua. "I am feeling great. I will try my best in the next match, which I think will not be easy."
Brecel's 4-2 victory was aided by a massive slice of misfortune for Murphy in the fourth frame when he potted a thin cut on the final black only for the cue ball to bounce off five cushions and go in-off.
World number 28 Brecel, age 20, was denied the German Masters title by Martin Gould 10 days ago then lost to Robin Hull in the Shoot Out final last Sunday.
The other two Chinese players Liang Wenbo and Yu Delu had mixed fortunes. Liang, a surprise UK Championship finalist, lost to 17th-ranked Michael White while Yu defeated Dechawat Poomjaeng of Thailand 4-3. Yu will next face three-time winner Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Marco Fu of Hong Kong, China, beat former world champion Graeme Dott 4-2 and will meet Neil Robertson of Australia in the next match.
World No. 1 Mark Selby top scored with 74 in a 4-2 win over Fergal O'Brien and now faces Mark Williams, who impressed in a 4-2 victory over Kurt Maflin.
Defending champion John Higgins made a 105 in a 4-1 win over Michael Georgiou.
Barry Hawkins came from 2-0 down to beat Mark Davis 4-2 while Martin Gould stayed on course for back-to-back ranking titles by beating Matthew Stevens 4-3 with a run of 107 in the deciding frame.
Joe Perry top scored with 130 in a 4-2 win over Ken Doherty.
