Ding Junhui plays against Gary Wilson in the semifinal of the 2015 World Snooker China Open in Beijing, April 4, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

LONDON - Ding Junhui fought back from 1-5 down to make it 5-3 against four-time winner John Higgins after the first session of their World Championship second-round match in Sheffield on Thursday.

Higgins took command after six frames by leading the Chinese former world No 1 5-1.

But the 28-year-old Ding fought back with breaks of 67 and 94 to keep in contention at 5-3.

The two players will resume competition on Friday afternoon.

In the day's other matches, defending champion Mark Selby drew with Anthony McGill 4-4 at the end of their first session.