Snooker world No. 17 Ding Junhui of China became the first man to enter the semifinal round of this year's Betfred World Championship after routing Welshman Mark Williams with a 13-3 victory in their best-of-25 quarterfinals showdown at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on Tuesday.

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According to Snooker HQ, the Chinese top professional cueman required only two out of the scheduled three sessions to defeat the two-time former world champion. As a result, he was able to obtain a day off on Wednesday while the six remaining competitors battle it out with the hope of being included in the prestigious event's final four.

Ding took an early 6-2 lead after the first session and stretched his advantage to 10-2 in the evening session with breaks of 109, 52, 95 and 73.

Williams, 41, who presently holds the 13^th spot in the world rankings, was able to win the 13^th frame and make the score to 10-3.

At that stage, the former world No.1 Chinese superstar needed to win the last three frames to avoid having to return for the final session. Ding confidently claimed three straight frames to seal the victory.

 "I got some easy chances in that match," said the 11-time ranking event winner Ding."After 2-2 things just changed. I think I controlled the match, I took my chances to make breaks. I have confidence and every time I see a chance I think I can go for it and make breaks."

"Mark didn't play the way he normally does, everyone finds it hard to play with a new tip. The day off is a bonus, I've never had that before, and I'm going to enjoy the day," he added.

Ding, 29, will be facing either Alan McManus or John Higgins over 33 frames on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the finals berth.

TagsDing Junhui, 2016 betfred world snooker championships, mark williams, world snooker, world snooker rankings