Ding Junhui had a easy 6-2 win over Matthew Stevens to head into top last 16 with Liang Wenbo at 2016 World Snooker International Championship here on Tuesday.
"I think Terry helped me a lot in my career, especially during my depression after the 2013-2014 season." Ding thanked his coach Terry Griffiths after the match. "We don't have a fixed time to communicate but every time his advice worked."
Ding seemed to step on the right track when he began tonight's match with a century break of 116 points. After he doubled the lead Stevens fought back to tie 2-2. But the rest of the match witnessed Ding see off Stevens in an imperious manner by winning four straight frames.
Another home favorite Liang Wenbo won his third domestic clash in Daqing to defeat Li Hang 6-1 tonight, a relatively comfortable win compared the last two 6-5 victories.
"I would like to thank one of my good friend O'Sullivan from whom I learned a lot," Liang said in the press conference. "Like how to adjust yourself under pressure."
O'Sullivan survived Kurt Maflin's challenge to win 6-4 while defending champion John Higgins downed Jak Jones, who upset Ding Junhui in the England Open previously 6-2.
On the road to the final eight, O' Sullivan's suggestions will be useful for Liang Wenbo tomorrow when he faces World No. 1 Mark Selby. James Wattana beat China's Xu Si today to meet Judd Trump.
