Shaun Murphy stunned by Xiao Guodong in Wuhan Open quarter-finals, Long Zehuang awaits in last four
By James Hilsum
Published 10/10/2024 at 10:17 GMT+1
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Shaun Murphy was dumped out of the Wuhan Open in the quarter-finals by Xiao Guodong, who was in excellent form to dispatch The Magician. Xiao secured a 5-1 victory that included three century breaks – including a 139 total clearance – and another of 75. The 35-year-old then held his nerve in a keenly-contested final frame to secure one of the standout victories of the Chinese player's career.
‘He's been reduced to a spectator’ – Murphy applauds as Xiao knocks in third century in a row
Video credit: TNT Sports
Shaun Murphy fell to a surprise 5-1 defeat against Xiao Guodong in the Wuhan Open quarter-finals on Thursday.
Xiao, who has never won a ranking title despite six previous semi-final appearances, showcased his outstanding potting skills and match play.
He will face Long Zehuang in the last four after his compatriot blitzed Jack Lisowski 5-1.
Xiao seized the momentum early in the contest when Murphy caught a red too thin, paving the way for the 35-year-old to compile a 139 total clearance.
The second frame looked like it may have fallen Murphy's way after he capitalised on Xiao potting the cue ball, but a failed pot on the black allowed the Chinese to work his way to another sizeable break of 113.
Xiao's hot streak continued into the third frame, as he picked off the reds effortlessly en route to another century - this time a 125 - to race into a 3-0 lead with barely an hour played.
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‘What a start’ – Xiao opens up early lead over Murphy with sixth 139 of Wuhan Open
Video credit: TNT Sports
Murphy was in huge trouble against the free-flowing Xiao, who made his way to another creditable break of 75 to move within one frame of an outstanding victory.
The Englishman did at least manage to avoid the ignominy of a whitewash defeat, picking off the reds smartly in the fifth frame to work his way to a break of 112.
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‘Immaculate snooker’ – Xiao makes it back-to-back centuries to surge 2-0 clear
Video credit: TNT Sports
A cagey sixth and final frame ensued. At one point, it looked like the tide may be turning in The Magician's favour after Xiao narrowly missed a yellow when snookered.
But after a lengthy safety battle, it eventually went Xiao's way when he potted the yellow and cleared up to the pink to seal an incredible victory.
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