Shaun Murphy delivered a stunning 4-0 victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan at the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship on Wednesday, marking his first win against the seven-time world champion since 2017. The decisive win propels Murphy into the quarter-finals of the lucrative tournament, which is offering a $1 million (£760,000) prize for a player who can pot a special golden ball after achieving a maximum 147 break.
The riyadh Season Snooker Championship has drawn critically important attention for its substantial prize money and high-profile competitors. O’Sullivan, a dominant force in the sport, hadn’t lost a frame in a match of seven frames or more since 2023, making Murphy’s whitewash a especially notable result. Murphy also previously defeated 15-year-old Ziyad al-Qabbani 4-0.
Murphy showcased extraordinary form,registering breaks of 53 and 93 against a visibly struggling O’Sullivan. “I don’t know what the statistics are, but it is indeed a long time as I have tasted victory against Ronnie and they are special any time they come up even in short match like this,” Murphy told TNT Sports. “It is such a prestigious event and you know everyone is trying 100% so despite it only being a best-of-seven I was pleased with how I played and delighted to get through.”
Elsewhere in the tournament, John Higgins secured a 4-0 win over Ding Junhui, but voiced strong criticism of the table conditions. ”There are so many…like beer mats underneath the table and it’s raised up,” Higgins stated. “Somebody really needs to get told. I don’t know who has passed that but it’s pathetic for a million-pound tournament.It really is bad.” Studio pundit Stephen Hendry echoed these concerns, suggesting the uneven floor necessitated the table’s raised construction.
Murphy will next face current Crucible champion Zhao Xintong on Thursday (20:00 GMT). Higgins, 50, will also play on Thursday, against last year’s winner Mark Allen, with both matches vying for a place in the semi-finals.
