Defending champion Zhao Xintong beat Ding Junhui 13-9 in the Chinese showdown at the World Snooker Championship on Sunday, booking his place in the quarter-finals in the process.

Zhao led 9-7 after Saturday’s action before Ding reduced the deficit to a single frame by taking the opener on Sunday.

The 29-year-old, looking to become the first first-time winner to retain the world title at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, quickly snuffed out any danger to his title defence.

Ding was the first Chinese player to win a ranking event, but Zhao capitalised on a series of mistakes by his compatriot to pull away.

A break of 108 in the penultimate frame helped seal a last eight clash with former world champion Shaun Murphy.

“Today I think there was more pressure,” Zhao said. “I know Ding didn’t play very well in the last session but the pressure is very big.