Ding Junhui beats Graeme Dott to reach Masters semis

Ding, six places above the Scot in the world rankings in fourth, started in fine fashion, compiling three century breaks in the first four frames.

Dott won two typically scrappy frames in battling back to 3-2, but the run of the balls abandoned him thereafter.

That allowed China's Ding to streak away in the final three frames, aided by a break of 74.

Dott, who registered a highest break of just 38 and scored 235 compared to Ding's 649, struggled for fluency throughout and missed a host of easy balls.

And Ding was in prime form to make the most of his chances, not least before the mid-session interval when he compiled runs of 124, 108 and a second 124.

The 23-year-old will now go on to face either Mark King or Jamie Cope in the semi-finals - insisting he does not have a preference over which player he would rather face.

"They are all playing well and either way it will not be an easy game," he said. "But I'm very happy with my game.

"I'm taking my chances and concentrating hard, that makes it easier."