Judd Trump became the first player to book a place in the World Championship semi-finals after completing a one-sided 13-4 victory over China’s Ding Junhui in Sheffield on Wednesday.
Picking up after establishing a 12-4 overnight lead, world No 6 Trump – a runner-up in 2011 – produced a break of 66 to end Ding’s interest in the competition before mid-morning.
Trump will now face either Ronnie O’Sullivan or Stuart Bingham, with the latter 5-3 up ahead of the resumption of their quarter-final at the Crucible Theatre later on Wednesday.
Tournament organisers World Snooker have confirmed that O’Sullivan will face no punishment after resting his chalk on the table while lining up a shot against Bingham on Tuesday.
The five-time world champion, who played part of a frame in his socks earlier in the tournament and was warned for making a hand gesture during his second-round win over Matthew Stevens, could have incurred a seven-point penalty for the infringement.
But referee Terry Camilleri decided not to call a foul and a tournament spokesman said that no retrospective action would be taken.
England’s Barry Hawkins moved into a 7-3 lead over Australia’s Neil Robertson in their quarter-final, while Shaun Murphy is 9-7 up against Scottish qualifier Anthony McGill ahead of the resumption of their tie.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
