BEIJING - Home favorite Ding Junhui will play against John Higgins at the quarterfinals of 2015 World Snooker China Open on Friday.

After suffering early exit in the first round for six times in a row in 2015, Ding finally regained his touch, beating Mark Williams 5-2 in the third round games Thursday night.

The World No 4 started the first frame with a 68-point break, and a 103-point one helped him establish a 3-1 advantage before the break.

"Local fans hope I can defend my title here," said Ding Junhui, "For me, I just wanna play well in the next game and maintain my rhythm."

Judd Trump came back from a 1-3 deficit to make it 4-4 with John Higgins and even took the lead in the ninth frame with a 59-point break. But Higgins showed magic and no mercy on Trump to win by a 65-59 margin.

Current World No 1 Serby also booked a final eight spot by beating David Gilbert 5-2, he will meet the world No 17 Robert Milkins, who has to win the match to secure one ticket for the World Championship.