Ricky Walden believes he can go all the way in the UK Championship after upsetting Chinese ace Ding Junhui to reach the quarter-finals.

Ding had won three ranking titles in a row and was expected to have too much for Walden, but the 31-year-old won through 6-4.

Ding appeared poised to take the match to the deciding frame but missed an easy pink in an epic 10th frame, allowing Walden to pounce.

“It was a tough game because he is the man in form,” said Walden, who was born in Chester.

“But I thought if I stuck to my own game then I would be able to get through.”

Walden had been under the weather going into the game but feels he is coming into top form.

“I had a bit of a cold so I was not feeling myself but I am happy with the way I am cueing,” he said.

Walden started as a 66/1 chance but said he felt confident of making a bold bid for the title.

He whitewashed Chinese outsider Cao Xin Long 6-0 in the first round before easing past Peter Lines 6-2 in this next match. Walden beat Mark Williams 6-5 in the third round, sealing victory with a 137 break.

Walden will face either Judd Trump or Mark Allen, who met after the Chronicle went to press, in today’s quarter-final.

“You don’t get easy games at this stage but I’m improving with each game and am capable of winning,” said Walden.