Zhao Xintong moved closer to cracking the so-called “Crucible Curse” as he booked his quarter-final place at the World Snooker Championship , wrapping up a hard-fought 13-9 win over compatriot Ding Junhui.

The defending champion shrugged off some evident nerves to build on a 9-7 overnight advantage despite losing an error-strewn, 46-minute opener that saw Ding temporarily reduce the arrears to a single frame.

The 29-year-old – who is looking to become the only first-time winner to retain his title at the Crucible – capitalised on a series of misses by his opponent to pull away. Zhao produced a break of 108 in the penultimate frame as he set up a last-eight clash with Shaun Murphy.

“Today I think there was more pressure,” Zhao told BBC Sport. “I know Ding didn’t play very well in the last session, but the pressure is very big. This year I just don’t want to lose any match, so it feels very different.”

Mark Selby is level with Yu Wize after an entertaining first session.…