China's Ding Junhui defeated Stuart Bingham 5-2 to reach the last eight at the Shanghai Masters on Thursday.

John Higgins beat Mark Williams 5-1 and also advanced into the quarterfinals.

Ding had never reached beyond the second round in this tournament and he was happy to achieve this result.

"This is the opening tournament of the season and I am very happy to reach the quarterfinals for the first time at Shanghai Masters. I hope to do better in the next match," Ding said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 11, 2009)