Ding battles back for last eight spot

Home favourite Ding Junhui came through tough test on Thursday to reach the last eight of the Shanghai Masters.

Defending champion Ding recovered from trailing 2-0 to complete a 5-3 win over Martin Gould courtesy of knocks of 96, 60 and 67 in winning five of the last six frames. He now meets Graeme Dott for a place in the semis.

"I played ok," said Ding. "I had chances in the first frame and could have won the second. But I managed to level the match before the interval which was great. He was in a good rhythm and cueing well, and he has a good long game."

World number one Mark Selby made 50, 76 and 65 on his way to leading 3-0 before Michael Holt levelled at 3-3. Selby won the final two frames including a 50 in the eighth frame to complete a 5-3 success.

Selby will now meet Fergal O'Brien for a place in the last four.

O'Brien ended the run of Chinese wild card Zhao Xintong, winning 5-3. Zhao, who knocked out Matthew Selt and Marco Fu, led 3-2 after breaks of 80 and 69, but gritty O'Brien recovered to win the last three frames.

Alan McManus continued his fine form. After a 5-3 win over favourite Ronnie O'Sullivan, McManus was a 5-1 winner over fellow Scot Stephen Maguire.

He will face Stuart Bingham for a place in the semi-finals.