SHAUN Murphy produced an outstanding display to beat Xiao Guodong 13-3 and becomes the first player through to the quarter-finals of the World Snooker Championship.
The 2005 champion, who has also finished runner-up in 2009, 2015 and 2021, had already built a 6-2 lead overnight. He then dominated Friday’s session, winning seven of the eight frames to wrap up the match early with a session to spare.
Murphy was in excellent scoring form, making breaks of 93, 66, 103, 69, 115 and 103 during the session. His victory sets up a quarter-final clash against the winner of the all-Chinese tie between Zhao Xintong and Ding Junhui, which will take place across Tuesday and Wednesday.
Speaking after the match, Murphy said: “I’m really pleased with how I played. I’m delighted. It does not happen often that you win with a session to spare, because everyone is so good.”
He added: “I would not say I’m desperate to win another World Championship, but it is close. It’s 21 years ago since that clueless 22-year-old came here and nicked the trophy from everyone. Since then I’ve been trying my hardest to get the trophy again. It’s not been through the lack of trying.”
Murphy last reached this stage in 2021, when he went on to lose in the final to Mark Selby, and believes he is still improving.
“I’m loving the game, loving practice and still think I can get better,” he said. “The best days are still ahead of me.”
Elsewhere at the Crucible, the evening session will now focus solely on the second part of the match between Barry Hawkins and Mark Williams, with the arena adjusted so all spectators can watch the action.
