Shaun Murphy produced a superb performance to thrash China’s Xiao Guodong 13-3 and grow the first player into the 2026 World Championship quarter-finals.
Murphy, a champion at the Crucible in 2005 and runner-up in 2009, 2015 and 2021, led 6-2 overnight against China’s world number nine Xiao Guodong, before winning seven of the eight frames in Friday’s first session.
It meant the 43-year-old eighth seed won his match with a session to spare.
Murphy made breaks of 93, 66, 103, 69, 115 and 103 in Friday’s session to set up a last-eight tie against the winner of the all-Chinese match between reigning world champion Zhao Xintong and Ding Junhui, with the quarter-final beginning on Tuesday and finishing on Wednesday.
“I’m really pleased with how I played. I’m delighted,” said Murphy. “It does not happen often that you win with a session to spare, due to the fact that everyone is so good.”
“I would not say I’m desperate to win another World Championship, but it is close.”
“It’s 21 years 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 the quarter-final stage in 2021, when he went on to the final and lost to Mark Selby, and said he still feels he can improve.
“I’m loving the game, loving practice and still think I can get better,” said Murphy. “The best days are still ahead of me….”
Murphy admitted he is ‘desperate’ to reclaim the world title after he thrashed Xiao Guodong.
Murphy will play the reigning world champion, Zhao Xintong, or Ding Junhui next as the 43-year-old attempts to reclaim the title he won in 2005 as a Crucible qualifier.
“I don’t know if I’d use the word desperate [to win it] but it’s very close,” said Murphy, who celebrated victory with a fist pump to the Sheffield crowd.
“It’s been 21 years since that totally clueless 22-year-old kid walked in here and nicked the trophy from everybody….”
Murphy guaranteed himself a night off on Friday with a 13-3 second-round demolition of Xiao – and then revealed he was heading home before his quarter-final gets under way on Tuesday.
“Mathematically it’s possible to win with a session to spare but you don’t think it’s going to happen,” Murphy told the BBC after a fluent potting display that produced four centuries and seven further breaks over 60.
“I kept getting those little chances and I’m really pleased how I played. It doesn’t happen often because everybody’s so good. We’re going to ship out of Sheffield for a few days. Go home now.”
“I’ve got my practice table at home and I can do as much as I seek instead of trying to dodge in for half an hour at the Crucible. [I will] spend the next few days getting ready for what’s going to be a big game.”
The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield continues to host the World Snooker Championship, where Murphy’s victory over Xiao Guodong secured his place in the last eight.
Murphy’s performance included multiple century breaks, demonstrating his continued excellence at age 43.
As the eighth seed, Murphy’s progression to the quarter-finals marks his best run at the Crucible since 2021 when he reached the final.
The winner of the Zhao Xintong versus Ding Junhui match will face Murphy in the quarter-finals, beginning on Tuesday and concluding on Wednesday.
Murphy’s victory highlights the enduring competitiveness of experienced players at snooker’s most prestigious tournament.
With his place in the last eight secured, Murphy now turns his focus to preparing for what promises to be a challenging quarter-final encounter.
The 2026 World Snooker Championship continues at the Crucible Theatre, with Murphy aiming to add a second world title to his resume.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the World Snooker Championship as the tournament progresses toward its conclusion.
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