Beijing, April 4 (IANS): Ding Junhui entered the semi-finals of the 2015 World Snooker China Open, beating John Higgins 5-4 in the quarter-final here.

After the 2-2 tie before the break, Ding hit a 105-point break to lead for the first time on Friday. But Higgins soon took over the match by winning two straight frames. Ding then had a 68-point break to make it 4-4, reports Xinhua.

In a breathtaking ninth frame, Ding started the game by leading 36-0 before Higgins surpassed 46-36. Ding successfully hit a black later but the cue ball dropped into the pocket.

Trailing by 53-36, Higgins decided to let Ding play and the latter hit a lucky red. Ding then missed an easy green but Higgins copied the tragedy, before the home favourite then wrapped up the match 5-4.

"I didn't expect he was so unlucky at the last moment," said Ding. "Luck did help me to carry on tonight."

Ding will play against Gary Wilson in the semi-final, who defeated Barry Hawkins 5-3 in another match.

Shaun Murphy was upset by Kurt Maflin 5-4 this afternoon to set up a semi-final match against Mark Serby. Serby, the world No.1, had a tough 5-4 victory over Robert Milkins.