Ding Junhui of China plays a shot during his first-round match against Mark Williams of Wales in 2011's Snooker Masters held at the Wembley Arena in London, Britain, Jan. 10, 2011. Ding won by 6:4 to enter the quarter-finals. (Xinhua/Zeng Yi)

China's ace Ding Junhui suppressed Mark Williams's fightback to past the first round at the Snooker Masters 6-4 on Monday.

Ding, 23, was longing for a win over Williams, who beat him several times this season. He said he was quite relaxed in the opening stage but got a little bit nervous when his left-handed opponent chased to 4-5 from 2-5.

"I knew I had no chance unless I played well," said Ding, who suffered a first round exit here last year as he was defeated by final winner Mark Selby.

"At 5-4, I was hoping to get a chance. Then he missed the red ball. He was unlucky."

Two-time Masters champion Williams led the 10th frame at 48-0 but gave Ding a chance to hit back after missing a red ball.

The ninth seed Ding didn't let his hope go, wrapping it up at 75-48.

Ding will meet Graeme Dott in the quarterfinals as the 11th seed knocked out world No.1 John Higgins 6-4 in the other match later on Monday.

Dott, the 2006 world champion, took the first two frames, but Higgins managed to level at 3-3.

Then, Dott and Higgins took one frame each before Dott edged the next two for winning the match.

Ding Junhui (R) of China and Mark Williams of Wales watch the balls during their first-round match of 2011's Snooker Masters held at the Wembley Arena in London, Britain, Jan. 10, 2011. Ding won by 6:4 to enter the quarter-finals. (Xinhua/Zeng Yi)