Zhao Xintong booked his place in the quarterfinals of the WST Shanghai Masters with a commanding 6-2 victory over fellow Chinese star Ding Junhui in Wednesday night's headline last-16 clash.

2025 world champion Zhao seized control from the outset, winning the opening five frames to put the more experienced Ding under pressure. The veteran responded in style with a century break of 103 to get on the board before threatening a maximum 147 in the following frame, but a positional error forced him away from the perfect clearance, and the break ended at 112. Zhao then wrapped up the contest with a century of his own to complete an impressive display.

Despite the defeat, the veteran Ding remained upbeat about 29-year-old Zhao's performance and was proud about the rapid rise of Chinese snooker.

"I really wanted to make a 147 from the first chance he gave me," Ding said. "The table was in a great position and I tried my best to go for it. I found my rhythm a little too late, and Zhao was simply the better player overall today."

Ding also noted that the growing number of all-Chinese matches at major tournaments reflects the country's increasing strength in the sport. He pointed to Si Jiahui, Chang Bingyu and Lei Peifan as players capable of emulating Zhao and Wu Yize in becoming world champions.

Zhao's victory set up a quarterfinal meeting with Australia's Neil Robertson as he continues his bid for a maiden Shanghai Masters title.

In the other all-Chinese contest of the night, reigning world champion Wu Yize produced a dazzling display of break-building to defeat compatriot Si Jiahui 6-2 and advance to the quarterfinals.

Wu made a strong start by opening up a 3-1 lead before the mid-session interval, but Si responded after the restart to cut the deficit to 3-2 and briefly threaten a comeback. The momentum quickly swung back in Wu's favor, however, as he dominated the closing stages of the match.

The 22-year-old finished in spectacular fashion, compiling breaks of 108, 140 and 140 to win the final three frames. His burst of scoring meant the last five frames of the match all featured century breaks, with Wu ending the contest by producing three in succession to seal his place in the last eight.

The victory marked Wu's first appearance since capturing his maiden World Championship title in May and extended his winning momentum into the new season. He will next face Shaun Murphy in the quarterfinals, a rematch of this year's World Championship final, where Wu edged the Englishman 18-17 to lift the sport's biggest prize.