Terrific Trump powers past Ding at Masters

World number one Judd Trump moved into the quarter-finals of the Masters after making three century breaks in a 6-2 win over Ding Junhui at Alexandra Palace.

Two-time Masters champion Trump has now triumphed in five consecutive matches against Ding, who won this title in 2011.

The Englishman crafted breaks of 116 and 69 as he raced into a 3-0 lead before China’s Ding responded with runs of 98 and 53 to reduce his arrears to a solitary frame.

However, Trump re-established a two-frame cushion with a run of 88 and then compiled a wonderful 117 before sealing victory with a break of 109.

«I feel confident and have got to a few finals recently and it has taken some good players to stop me,» Trump told BBC Sport.

«I am full of confidence and hopefully I can go one better this tournament. I have had a month off tournaments but still been putting the work in.»

Trump will face Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen in the last eight, with that contest due to be played on Thursday at 19:00 GMT.

All seven matches played so far at this year’s Masters have now ended 6-2, while Trump also defeated Ding by the same dominant score at the UK Championship in December.

«I convinced myself my game would not be 6-2 and at 3-0 up I thought, ‘at least I can’t lose 6-2’,» said Trump.

«It’s incredible really because all the players are so closely matched and to have every single game go that way is so surprising.»

Ding, who did not pot another ball after getting back to 3-2, admired Trump’s ruthlessness and felt his own play made it all too easy for his opponent.

«I played a few terrible safety shots and let him win and have chances easier,» Ding said.

«He was playing good and I wasn’t at a good enough level to play against him. His standard is very high. He didn’t miss much and it is very difficult to play him.»

Neil Robertson takes on Chris Wakelin in the one remaining last-16 tie on Wednesday evening (19:00 GMT), with Wakelin having been a late addition to the line-up after eight-time winner Ronnie O’Sullivan’s withdrawal.