While neither player was at their best in a fragmented opening in which the first two frames were shared with a top break of 36, an absorbing contest sparked into life after the mid-session interval.

Having made breaks of 57 and 70, Wales’ two-time winner Williams led 3-2 before the momentum swung back towards his Chinese opponent, who enjoyed runs of 64 and 60.

In a see-saw encounter Williams compiled a sublime break of 136 to level and then pinched the ninth frame after Ding faltered on 66 to lead 5-4.

However, the 2011 champion made a 76 to force an 11th frame after enjoying a fortuitous run of the balls, and then sealed his victory with a wonderful break of 90.

“I had a bit of luck at 5-4 down. I smashed all the balls and he got no chance,” Ding told BBC Sport.

“I love the Masters tournaments. They are always tough. We both struggled at the start and I told myself to relax.”

Ding, will now face Judd Trump or Barry Hawkins in the last eight, while Mark Selby plays Ali Carter later on Monday (19:00 GMT).

On each of the previous three occasions that Ding has beaten Williams in a Triple Crown event, he has gone on to reach the final.

And he will also be buoyed by his return to the winners’ circle this term after securing his first ranking title in five years at the International Championship in November.

“I have been working hard with my shot selection and cueing and I can see the difference on the table. I have more control,” Ding added.

With Ronnie O’Sullivan withdrawing on Friday and John Higgins bowing out in the opening match, Williams’ defeat marks the end of the involvement of any of the ‘Class of 92’ in the event.

“He had one hell of a run with the balls but those are the fine margins,” said Williams.

“I think the run of the ball cost me but I’ve had plenty in my time. You still have to make the breaks and he did.”