Ding was eliminated from the China Open in quarter-finals after losing 5–1 to Kyren Wilson. At the World Championship, Ding beat Zhou Yuelong in the first round by 10–5 and, after leading 6–2 and 9–7, Liang Wenbo was leading Ding 13–11 in the second round. Ding made a 132 break to level the match and a 70 in the decider to progress with a score of 13–12. He played Ronnie O'Sullivan in the quarter-finals. Despite a career-record ten losses and two wins prior to the match, Ding won 13–10. In his semi-final with Mark Selby, Ding made two consecutive centuries to end the third session at 12–12. He won two frames from 16 to 13 down but missed a blue in the next frame and lost 17–15. Ding said his game would continue to improve as he had played with more confidence and aggression throughout the event. He ended the season ranked world number four.