体坛英语新闻：Cao Yupeng loses last berth, Hendry thrashes defending champ

SHEFFIELD, England, April 28 (Xinhua) -- China's last player in Crucible Cao Yupeng was outlast 13-7 by Ryan Day in the last 16 clash on Saturday while Stephen Hendry shut out the defending champion John Higgins 13-4 to reach the quarter-finals of the World Snooker Championship.

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

Under the best of 25 frames, the 32-year-old Ryan rattled off the four frames in a row and claimed a breezing victory at the Crucible Theatre, where the Championship was staged since 1977. He will meet either Matthew Stevens or Barry Hawkins.

Cao's last-16 finish is the best result for Chinese players 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 6-2 after the first session, it's very difficult to overtake," said the 21-year-old.

The debutant Cao stunned the home crowd in the first round as the world number 11 Mark Allen was upset 10-6 by the Chinese qualifier, whose world ranking was just 81.

"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 biggest tournament of snooker, had already held an overwhelming 12-4 lead after last night'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 in the morning.

Higgins, the four-time winner of the event, regarded the contest last night as one of his worst sessions in career, when he lost seven of the eight frames.

"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."

The 43-year-old Hendry, who last won this title in 1999, had to qualify for the Championship as he had dropped out of the world's top 16 this season but is still promising to clinch an eighth title.

In the first round, the "Snooker King" hit a sensational start to the event with a 147 maximum break on the opening day .

Now, boosted by the second convincing victory in a row, he seemed in form to refresh his record of seven world titles.

"Anything can happen from here on in. I love playing here. It's the best place to play snooker in. You've just got to try and take the chances given to you," said the most crowned and successful player in snooker history.

Elsewhere, Ronnie O'Sullivan led Mark Williams 5-3 after the first session. While Judd Trump, the favourite and last year's runner-up trailed Allister Carter 5-3. Their following sessions will be staged on Sunday and Monday.