Murphy knocks out Ding to advance to quarterfinals at WST World Open

Shaun Murphy of England defeated Ding Junhui of China 5-2 in the round of 16 at the World Snooker Tour (WST) World Open in Shangrao, east China's Jiangxi Province, on Wednesday.

Murphy claimed three of the first four frames to lead 3-1 after the opening session, before Ding launched a counterstrike in the fifth frame. Although China's World No. 9 failed to make a maximum break, his English opponent wasted an opportunity to come back and conceded the frame.

Ding had a chance to pull level after jumping out to a 20-1 lead in the sixth frame. But a bumper cost him the frame and left Murphy, known as "The Magician," one win away from conjuring up a place in the next round. The World No. 8 didn't leave the home favorite any chance in the seventh, wrapping it up with a break of 93 to enter the quarterfinals as the highest-ranked player left in the draw.

Murphy's next opponent, Joe O'Connor, advanced to the last eight after beating Michael Holt 5-3 in a battle between two Englishmen. Ali Carter eliminated compatriot David Lilley 5-1 and will next face another English player, Barry Hawkins, who got past Ryan Day of Wales 5-3.

England's Zak Surety knocked out home favorite Liu Hongyu 5-2 and will take on compatriot Tom Ford in the last eight. Pang Junxu beat Xu Si 5-2 in a match between two Chinese players, and emerged as the only home competitor to progress. Pang will face Scotland's John Higgins, who battled from behind to defeat China's Zhou Yuelong 5-4 in the round of 16.