Ding Junhui recorded his first victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan by 13-10 , to advance to  the Semi-Finals of the 2017 World Championship at The Crucible on Wednesday.

The Chinese sensation produced a prolific scoring display to end O'Sullivan's latest quest for a sixth world title and make it back-to-back Semi-Final appearances in Sheffield.

Ding, last year's runner-up, held a 10-6 overnight lead going in to the final session, and although 'The Rocket' threatened a comeback, the 30-year-old held his nerve to complete a famous victory with a century break.

"I think it's probably the biggest win of my career," Ding told BBC Sport. "Everyone knows I usually don't play good against Ronnie. Today I did it.

"I still believe in myself a lot. When I get the chances I just think about how I can clear up.

"This was a big test for me. Ronnie was always my target to be like. I always focused and practiced to be like him - he's the top man in snooker.

"I've got more experience from last year, coming through the qualifiers to reach the final. This time I'm playing better," he added.A cagey opening frame of the final session went the way of O'Sullivan, before he powered in a 97 break to peg back to 10-8 adrift.

Ding responded well with a break of 69 to maintain daylight between the two, but only for O'Sullivan to produce a moment of magic by recording the highest break of the tournament so far.

The Masters Champion looked on course for a maximum at one stage but opted to pay for the pink on 96 and went on to complete a magnificent 146 clearance.

Ding, though, remained unfazed as he blasted home a break of 87 to edge to within one frame of the winning line at 12-9.

However, a missed cut on a red on 63 in the following frame handed 'The Rocket' a reprieve, which he duly seized with a nerveless 73 clearance to stay alive.

There was to be no miraculous comeback, though, as Ding sealed the deal in style with a break of 117, prompting warm congratulations from a dignified O'Sullivan.

"I thought it was a fantastic match," said O'Sullivan. "I was really pleased to be involved in that type of game.

 "I’m disappointed to lose but would rather lose playing in a good match than win playing in an awful match.

 "Ding’s a special lad, a beautiful guy and I know his family really well, so I know he comes from good stock.

"He hasn’t got a bad bone in his body. He wants to win this title so bad, he’s in a great place and I wish him all the very best," he added.

Ding will now face defending champion Mark Selby in the Last Four - a show-down which marks a mouth-watering repeat of last year's world final.