Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins through to UK Championship quarter-finals

World number one Ronnie O’Sullivan and world champion John Higgins both advanced to the quarter-finals of the UK Championship in Telford.

UK Championships

Higgins survived a spirited fightback from Australian Neil Robertson to win 9-8, while the Rocket beat former world champion Peter Ebdon 9-3.

Elsewhere, China’s Ding Junhui joins fellow countryman Liang Wenbo in the last eight after defeating defending champion Shaun Murphy 9-3.

Wenbo beat Mark King 9-2, while Stephen Maguire defeated Stuart Bingham.

Maguire told BBC Sport: “I’ve had a few good UK tournaments. I’ve won it, been to the final and got to the semi-finals last year, so I’ve been quite consistent here.

“But I’m feeling good about my game and if I win my next match I’ve got a day off to look forward too.”

Ali Carter progressed with a comfortable 9-5 victory over Stephen Lee, and Mark Selby booked his place in the last eight with a 9-5 win over Stephen Hendry.

Mark Williams lost a thriller to Peter Lines, surrendering the final two frames of the match to lose 9-8.