World snooker: Cao Yupeng loses, Hendry thrashes holder

Sheffield (England), April 29 (IANS) China's Cao Yupeng lost 7-13 to Ryan Day of Wales in the last 16 clash while Stephen Hendry shut out the defending champion John Higgins 13-4 to reach the quarterfinals of the World Snooker Championship.

Cao, who turned professional just last year, trailed the Welshman 7-9 after the second session but failed to win a frame Saturday.

Under the best of 25 frames, the 32-year-old Ryan rattled off four in a row and claimed an easy victory at the Crucible Theatre. He will meet either Matthew Stevens or Barry Hawkins.

Cao's last-16 finish is the best result for a Chinese player in this year's event after top player Ding Junhui suffered a shock first-round defeat to Ryan.

"It's a pity that I didn't make it to the next round. But when you trail the opponent 2-6 after the first session, it's very difficult to overtake," the 21-year-old was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

The debutant Cao stunned the home crowd in the first round as the world no.11 Mark Allen lost 6-10 to the Chinese qualifier, who ranks 81 in the world.

"I think I have gained some experience from my first Championship. The atmosphere and the venue here are amazing. I will try to qualify for this event next year."

Hendry, the seven-time winner of this yearly event, had already held an overwhelming 12-4 lead over Higgins after Friday's session and completed the victory with a break of 64 to set up a last-eight clash with Stephen Maguire, who saw off Joe Perry 13-7.

Higgins, the four-time winner of the event, regarded the contest as one of his worst sessions in his career.

"I thought Stephen hit the ball tremendously well, he looked back to his best. I really don't know what happened," said the 37-year-old.

"This place can do that to you, I've seen it before, it can bring you your good moments but it can also give you your worst nightmare."