Ding makes Masters final

Ding was in control of the game from start to finish and will now play the winner of Saturday evening's game between Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Maguire.

Ding was in confident mood following his victory over Peter Ebdon in the quarter-finals, and some magnificent potting allowed him to race into an early 2-0 advantage.

Hendry replied strongly, building a break of 70 to take the third frame; however Ding restored his advantage in a closely fought fourth frame, eventually winning it 67-57.

The interval was timely for the Scotsman, who had been largely outplayed by Ding in the opening session. He regained his composure and came back out for the second session in devastating fashion, completing a break of 129 to put him back into contention at 2-3.

The sixth frame proved to be most decisive. Hendry looked to be on the verge of an impressive comeback, however he missed a relatively simple pot at 55-0, and Ding ruthlessly re-established his two frame cushion.

A poor safety shot by Hendry in the seventh frame again allowed Ding to step up to the table, and an impressive range of potting saw him make a break of 128 to take the game further from Hendry's reach at 5-2.

Ding then secured his place in the Masters final producing a quick fire break of 61 to take the final frame and the victory.