Shaun Murphy ends Zhao Xintong's Crucible title bid with 13-10 win

Shaun Murphy produced a dominant performance to defeat Zhao Xintong 13-10, ending the Chinese player's attempt to become the first Chinese-born world snooker champion at the Crucible.

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The victory sends Murphy into the semi-finals of the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Murphy, the 2005 champion, recovered from losing the opening session to control the match across the later stages.

Zhao had been seeking to end the so-called Crucible curse, which has prevented every player born outside England from winning the world title since the event moved to Sheffield in 1977. He came close but ultimately could not overcome Murphy's superior all-round game.

The result means the 2026 world champion will be a player born in England, preserving the unique distinction of the Crucible venue. Murphy will face either Mark Selby or Luca Brecel in the semi-finals.

Murphy's clinical finishing and safety play proved decisive in the closing stages of the best-of-25 frames encounter.