Barry Hawkins edged out John Higgins in an exciting final frame decider to qualify for the quarterfinals at Shanghai Masters.

Hawkins moved within a frame of victory, only for Higgins to win the next two and take it to an 11th and final frame. And it went right down to the wire, with Hawkins sinking all colors after a safety exchange to win the decider 66-60 and book a quarterfinal meeting with Neil Robertson.

A strong start from Neil Robertson propelled him to overcome Chinese number one Ding Junhui to reach the quarterfinals. Robertson, who clinched the trophy back in 2010, raced to a 4-0 lead with breaks of 72, 82, 101 and 69

But the two-time winner in Shanghai could not turn the match around despite his residence, losing 6-3 as Robertson posted 71 in the ninth and final frame.

The Australian will now face whoever emerges the winner of round-two match between John Higgins and Barry Hawkins.

In the meantime, current champion Judd Trump progressed to the quarterfinals with a 6-4 victory over David Gilbert.

Judd Trump lost the first frame before reeling off four frames in a row, and though Gilbert had breaks of 111 and 86 which helped reduce the deficit, the World number 1 still was able to hit a century of his own to close out the match.

Mark Allen will face Judd Trump in the quarterfinals after the seventh seed edged past left-handed snooker player Liang Weibo 6-5.

The quarterfinal begins on Thursday, with defending Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan to play Kyren Wilson, while Shaun Murphy is set to have an encounter with Jack Lisowski.

Thursday’s quarters-Final matches will see the following actions taking place:
• Ronnie O’Sullivan 1.27 vs. Kyren Wilson 3.70
• Barry Hawkins 2.69 vs. Neil Robertson 1.45
• Shaun Murphy 1.77 vs. Jack Lisowski 2.02
• Mark Allen 2.73 vs. Judd Trump 1.44

Each of the fixtures in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Shanghai Masters promises to be enthralling, and jaw dropping.

Written by: Imisa Aruorihwo