Murphy first player into 2026 World Snooker Championship quarters after statement of intent win

Murphy issued a statement of intent in his bid for a second world title as he defeated world number nine Xiao Guodong 13-3 with a session to spare in Sheffield.

The 2005 World Champion has been one of this season’s standout performers having won the British Open, and made the finals of the Xi’an Grand Prix and German Masters. It all represents a big turnaround in fortunes having momentarily dropped outside of the world’s top 16 rankings - for the first time in over 19 years - earlier this term.

The Magician’s Crucible trip could have been a very short one, though, as he produced a steely break of 50 in his opening match to oust qualifier Fan Zhengyi on the final pink of the deciding frame.

Perhaps taking that momentum into his last 16 tie with reigning Wuhan Open champion Xiao, Murphy assumed control of his latest assignment early on, and never allowed his opponent properly back into contention.

Murphy claimed the opening frame when the tie began on Thursday afternoon and then registered runs of 79, 103 and 63 to establish a 4-0 mid-session interval lead.

On resumption, the 43-year-old stretched his cushion to five before Xiao opened his account with back-to-back frames. However, it was the Englishman who ended the day on a positive note as a 61 helped him to a 6-2 overnight lead.

Returning the next morning for what could have been their penultimate session, Murphy continued to push himself clear as he collected three more frames - highlighted by efforts of 93 and 66 - to go 9-2 up. Xiao gave himself a glimmer of hope as he posted his first half-century of the match - a 74 - in taking frame 12.

But there was no stopping Murphy, as when the cueists returned from their interlude, the former UK and Masters champion cranked it up a few gears as breaks of 103, 69, 115 and 103 saw him stamp a very impressive victory.

It also meant that he got the job done with a session to spare, with their scheduled third act that evening no longer required.

World number eight Murphy doesn’t play again until Tuesday morning where he will face his third Chinese opponent in-a-row against either reigning champion Zhao Xintong, or Ding Junhui.

Murphy to return home before next Crucible clash

Murphy plans to use his time between rounds to go home for recuperation and practice on his own table.

Speaking to the BBC after his victory, the 13-time ranking event winner described how he was delighted to complete the task early, and his plans from now until the last eight stage.

"It doesn't happen often because everyone is so good. I am thrilled with it” said Murphy.

“We are going to ship out of Sheffield for a few days and go home and get on my practice table at home. I can do as much as I want instead of trying to dodge in for a half hour at the Crucible. I can spend the next few days getting ready for what is going to be a big game.”

On his desire to join an exclusive club of multiple-time world champions, Murphy added: "I don't know if I would use the word desperate but it's very close. It's been 21 years since that totally clueless 22-year-old kid walked in and nicked the trophy from everybody and I have come back every year trying my hardest to repeat that magic and not been able to.

To view the full draw, results, schedule, and other information from the 2026 World Snooker Championship, visit our tournament information centre here.