Shaun Murphy, champion in 2005 and finalist in 2009, 2015 and 2021, was knocked out by Xi Jiahui (World No. 80) in the first round of the World Snooker Championship.

Sean MurphyPhoto: John Bradley / imago sportfotodienst / Profimedia

Sean Murphy defeated Xi Jiahui at CM Snooker 2023

Leading 9-6, Murphy came back and took the match into the deciding frame, but the 20-year-old Chinese was more accurate and won (10-9).

Making his first appearance in the main draw at the Crucible, Xi Jiahui will face England’s Robert Milkins (World No. 14) in the last 16, who came back from 2-7 down to beat Joe Perry 10-9.

Shaun Murphy was also hammered by Xi Jiahui at the 2021 UK Championship when he said amateur players should not compete in professional tournaments. Now the so-called “Magician” changed his language and praised his opponent at the end of the match.

“I can’t do anything but congratulate Xi. I have played much weaker here many times and managed to win matches. I think we managed to play a great game together, it was a real show.

I lost, but I want to congratulate my opponent and wish him success in the future. I made a few mistakes but I don’t want it to be about me, C played an exceptional game and we shouldn’t take credit for him. It was fabulous.

I had a great season, maybe the best of my career, and I came here with a lot of confidence. But I’m proud of the way we played, we never gave up, and in the decisive game each of us could have won” – Sean MurphyThe Guardian reports.

Video source: Eurosport

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CM Snooker 2023 Round of 16

Ronnie O’Sullivan (1) – Hossein Vafai / April 21, 22, 23

Luca Bresel (9) – Mark Williams (8) / April 20, 21

Anthony McGill – Jack Lisowski (12) / April 22, 23, 24

Robert Milkins (13) – Si Jianhui / April 22, 23, 24

Mark Allen (3) – Stuart Bingham (14) / April 20, 21, 22

Jack Jones – Neil Robertson (6) / April 21, 22

Kyren Wilson (7) – John Higgins (10) / April 23, 24.

Gary Wilson (15) – Mark Selby (2) / April 22, 23, 24.

They will take place on Friday, April 21, at the Snooker World Cup in the Crucible

From 12:00 / Luca Bresel (9) – Mark Williams (8), score 4-4

From 12:00 / Jack Jones – Neil Robertson (6)

From 16:30 / Mark Allen (3) – Stuart Bingham (14), score 5-3

From 16:30 / Ronnie O’Sullivan (1) – Hossein Vafai

From 21:00 / Luca Bresel (9) – Mark Williams (8), score 4-4

From 21:00 / Jack Jones – Neil Robertson (6).

*The World Snooker Championship in Romania is broadcast live on Eurosport

How to play at the World Snooker Championship

  • The round of 16 will be played on a best of 25 frames basis, just like the quarterfinals.
  • In the semi-finals, the winner will be determined by the “best of 33 shots” system. Finally, in the grand final, the winner will be determined by the “best of 35 frames”.

How it will be in the final

  • There will be 8 frames in the first session of the final. The second session will consist of 9 frames, the third will consist of 8 frames. Finally, the final session will have a maximum of 10 frames (may or may not all be played, depending on the score on the table).

How WC Snooker 2023 money is distributed

Winner: £500,000

Second place: £200,000

Semi-Final: £100,000

Quarters: £50,000

Second round: £30,000

First round: £20,000.

You can read the full presentation of the World Snooker Championship here.