Ding cashes in after Ronnie's maximum miss

SHEFFIELD, England - Five-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan bowed out of the World Snooker Championship on Wednesday after spurning a shot at a 147 break during a 13-10 quarterfinal loss to China's Ding Junhui.

O'Sullivan looked to be on course for a maximum break after potting 12 reds and blacks, but then opted to pot the pink over a trickier black before clearing for a 146.

It took him to 11-9 down, but fourth seed Ding held firm, finishing off with a cool 117 to set up a repeat of last year's final against Mark Selby.

"I just play the balls as I see them," said O'Sullivan, who embraced Ding at the end of the contest at the Crucible in Sheffield, northern England.

"There is no plan. I was playing for the black, but I just didn't get on it."

Asked about the financial rewards for a 147, O'Sullivan said: "I'm just having a bit of fun. Let's not go down that route. Let's just enjoy the match and wish Ding the very best."

O'Sullivan at least had the consolation of putting himself in line for the tournament's $13,000 bonus for top break.

At last year's Welsh Open, the Englishman passed up on a maximum opportunity after learning the prize money was $15,000, saying he "didn't think the prize was worthy of a 147".

He was criticized by World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn for that remark.

Ding, competing in his 11th world championship, was pleased with his effort.

"I played great," Ding said. "I kept my form from the first frame to the last and all match I tried to put Ronnie under pressure. I don't know if he felt it, but I tried to do it.

"I don't have a good record against Ronnie. Every time I had chances I used to think too much about it, but this time it was quite easy."

O'Sullivan also spoke highly of Ding: "He wants to win this title so bad. Ten years on from our match at the Masters where he was in tears, he's hugging me and beating me. Last time it was me beating and hugging him. It's a decade on and he's in a great place. I wish him all the best."

Ding was momentarily stunned.

"I didn't know that the score was enough until people were clapping and I realized it was over. It was feeling good to play well every frame," he said.

"Ronnie just said I look like a different player, I'm looking stronger and he knows what happened. Every time I play him I'm really thankful to him. He is a top man and to be like him you have to work hard."

Ding will fight for the final spot against world No 1 and defending champion Mark Selby, who eased past Marco Fu 13-3 in Wednesday's other match.

"Mark is No 1 and playing well at the moment. He is always a favorite to win any tournament," said Ding.

"He has had a good season, but I've met him twice in finals this season and we have both won once. This is a big game for us."

Selby had earlier set two new marks for the tournament's highest break as he strolled to victory over Hong Kong's Fu.

Selby made 139 in the 13th frame and followed it up with a sublime 143 two frames later, confirming his status as tournament favorite.

"Marco's a great guy and a great player," Selby said.

"After one of the frames, when I'd made an 80 or a 100 break, he looked at me and said, 'Ah, you're struggling with your game, are you?' It was nice of him to say that."

Fu said: "It was very tough. Mark was at his best. You can't really do anything but admire him."

John Higgins completed a breezy 13-6 victory over Kyren Wilson to reach the last four for the first time since winning the last of his four world titles in 2011.

He will now face Barry Hawkins, who beat Stephen Maguire 13-9.

Afp - Xinhua