“SHAUN MURPHY and Neil Robertson face a Crucible shootout in Hong Kong that could have major implications for their Sheffield seeding next month. The pair might be former world champions but they are in danger of missing out on the top 16 spots for the World Snooker Championship, which starts in six weeks’ time. 2”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
The pair might be former world champions but they are in danger of missing out on the top 16 spots for the World Snooker Championship, which starts in six weeks’ time.
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Shaun Murphy faces a Crucible shootout in Hong Kong that may have major implicationsCredit: Alamy
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Neil Robertson is in danger of missing out on the top 16 spots for the World Snooker ChampionshipCredit: GettyWinning the World Grand Prix this weekend would secure them £180,000 and almost ensure they do not have to qualify for the Worlds.
Murphy, 42, took the scalp of John Higgins – the newly-crowned World Open champion – with breaks of 143 and 112 in a 5-3 win.
Robertson, 43, came from two frames down to end the Chinese challenge of Xiao Guodong with a 5-3 quarter-final victory.
They will now play in the semi-finals over the best of 11 frames, knowing that there is a lot at stake.
Murphy, the 2005 world champion, said: “I have been keeping a close eye on the rankings all week.
“It’s frustrating that those around me, including Neil, have done well, too.
“Let’s shake hands, have a tear-up and see who is in the final. I have a sneaky feeling we will put on a good show and it will be close.
“It’s always a tough match when you play Higgins.
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“Doesn’t matter what day it is. Especially the week after he has just won a massive tournament and got that renewed sense of confidence and purpose.
“It was extremely challenging conditions but you have to adapt to that and get the ball round.
“It was a match played in good spirits. It’s an honour to share the stage with John. He has been teaching me since I was a teenager.”
World No1 Judd Trump smashed injury-hit Iranian Hossein Vafaei with breaks of 145, 108, 115 and 146 in an outstanding display of potting.