China's Ding sets up quarterfinal clash with Trump at German Snooker Masters

LONDON -- China's top player Ding Junhui will face world number one Judd Trump in the quarterfinals at the German Snooker Masters after sweeping Dominic Dale 5-0 on Thursday.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was held behind closed doors in Milton Keynes, England, rather than in Germany.

Ding, 33, fought hard to win his opening round match on Wednesday as he edged Poland's Kacper Filipiak 5-4. But a refreshed Ding needed much less effort to pass the second round.

"I played much better than yesterday," said the long-time Asian number one after Thursday's match. "I feel great and hopefully I can keep going."

Ding will meet Trump in the next round after the defending champion defeated Joe Perry 5-3 later on Thursday.

Earlier this month, Trump was forced to withdraw from the Masters after receiving a positive COVID-19 test result ahead of his first-round match at the prestigious invitation event.