It was an emotional moment for Ding, who has openly spoken about how O'Sullivan is his hero, and it was the first time he has beaten him at a ranking event in 11 years.
There seemed a strong possibility of ending that run after a flawless start, but he missed a simple red in frame four and Sullivan took advantage in fine style.
And a year ago he deliberately made a 146 after discovering he'd only bag £10,000 at the Welsh Open for a maximum.
He said at the time he "didn't think the prize was worthy of a 147", and was criticised by World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn.
Hendry said in commentary on Wednesday that O'Sullivan would be going after the maximum just "for the glory", before the break took its twist.
Before O'Sullivan played for the pink, Hendry had revealed his own surprise at the relatively modest reward on offer, saying on the BBC: "It won't be the prize he's thinking about, because that's disappointing".
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If convicted, he faces a maximum five-year jail sentence, though could still govern while appeals are heard. During the first round election, Ahok and Djarot had won at the Gambir 4 polling station with 153 votes.
O'Sullivan briefly staved off defeat when he responded to 63 from Ding with a princely 73 to get back to 12-10, but China's top cueman provided a clinical finish to the contest.
They exchanged frames but Higgins, 41, pulled away when Wilson began to struggle having damaged his tip just as he was building momentum. "There is no plan".
At one point, O'Sullivan shaped to play for the blue but ended up potting the black instead to relieved laughter from the Crucible audience. "Let's not go down that route, let's just enjoy the match and wish Ding the very best".
Ronnie O'Sullivan in action against Ding Junhui at the Crucible Theatre.
"I know I don't have a good record against Ronnie, I used to think too much about that but now it is easier to make it happen and win frames".
"Ten years on from that match he's hugging me, beating me, whereas the last time it was me beating him, hugging him", O'Sullivan said. This year, I have more confidence to come through.
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