Four-time world champion John Higgins lost 13-9 to Ding Junhui and then nominated his second-round conqueror at the World Championship as a “big, big danger” to all at this year’s tournament.

Higgins was 5-1 up at one stage but had no answer to Ding’s late surge as the Chinese player came out well on top in the end on Saturday.

“I let him off the hook when I was 5-1 in front,” said the Scot.

“I missed a red and from then on he was clinical. He never let his head drop and he came back into it... and then played clinical, clinical stuff.”

Ding had to dig in, with Higgins regularly building breaks but often failing to close out frames.

“He seems as if he’s ready to tough it out,” said Higgins.

“His all-round game, his safety play and everything was top notch as well. He’s a big, big danger to win this tournament.”

Ding, ominously, believes he can improve.

“I’m playing well, and keep scoring heavily, and won frames after he made 50 breaks,” he said.

“I hope I’m going to win the tournament. I believe I can... I have the form to win any tournament. I think I can play better.”

Graeme Dott, the 2006 champion, bowed out of the tournament following a 13-5 defeat by Stuart Bingham.

Dott’s elimination means, against significant odds, qualifier Anthony McGill, who knocked out defending champion Mark Selby, is the only Scot left in contention to take the 2015 title.

Bingham’s route to glory looks a tough one, with a quarter-final against Ronnie O’Sullivan or Matthew Stevens next.

Dott was in reflective mood after his wide-margin defeat.

“I’ve got some good memories of this place, but I’ve had some thumpings as well,” he said.

“That didn’t really feel like 13-5. But obviously it is, so it’s still a slaughter. I hope it’s a better season next year.”