Ding Junhui of China gestures during his first round match against Marcus Campbell of Scotland at the 2015 World Snooker China Open in Beijing, capital of China, March 30, 2015. Ding won 5-1. (Photo: Xinhua/Li Wen)
Former world No. 1 Ding Junhui of China reached his first ranking quarterfinals in nearly a year by beating Belgian rising star Luca Brecel at the Welsh Open in Cardiff on Thursday.
Ding, who has slipped to 12th in the world rankings, beat the 20-year-old Brecel 4-2 with breaks of 70, 89, 87 and 55.
It was the first time he has won four consecutive matches since reaching the semifinals at last year's China Open.
"I feel happy because I am getting better," said Ding, whose run in Cardiff has assured his place in the World Grand Prix next month. "I always get a lot of support from Chinese fans in Wales. They give me power and it makes me want to do well and share victory with them."
The Chinese star will next take on UK champion Neil Robertson of Australia, who beat Marco Fu of Hong Kong, China, 4-2 with top runs of 126 and 141.
Another Chinese player Yu Delu was beaten by Ronnie O'Sullivan 4-1 in the other match, leaving Ding as the only Chinese in the last eight.
Three-time winner O'Sullivan will meet world number one Mark Selby, who showed his class in a 4-2 win over home favourite Mark Williams.
Judd Trump rued missed chances as he lost 4-3 to Joe Perry, while Mark Allen edged out Barry Hawkins 4-3.
Last year's runner-up Ben Woollaston saw off German Masters champion Martin Gould 4-1 with a top run of 78.
