Murphy stuns Zhao with 13-10 win to reach Crucible semi

Shaun Murphy produced a masterclass at the Crucible Theatre to defeat Zhao Xintong 13-10 and book a World Championship semi-final spot. Murphy opened with a 96 break to seize a 9-8 lead, while Zhao, aiming to become the first first-time winner to defend the title since the tournament moved to Sheffield in 1977, hit back with a 71 to keep the match alive. Murphy answered with runs of 80 and 70 as he pulled clear and moved to the cusp of victory.

A composed 81 from Asia's first world champion took the match to a 23rd frame, where Murphy produced a sublime red to the middle and followed with a 69 break to wrap up the win as Zhao fell short of forcing a decider. The performance was described in commentary as flawless, underscoring Murphy’s ability to raise his game when it mattered most. Murphy himself said he knew he had to be close to his best and expressed admiration for Zhao’s style, acknowledging Zhao as one of the game’s greats even as he celebrated sealing the landmark win.

The result halts Zhao’s bid to defend the crown and preserves the crucible legacy of the so-called Crucible curse—no first-time winner has managed to defend the title since the event's Crucible era began. Murphy, now into the last four for a sixth time, will await his semi-final opponent as he pursues a return to the sport’s biggest stage with the kind of form that has long marked him as one of snooker’s most resilient veterans.

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