Shaun Murphy produced a stunning performance to claim his first victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan since 2017, securing a 4-0 whitewash in the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship and advancing to the quarter-finals.

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Murphy’s Dominant Display

Murphy’s win marks the first time since 2023 that seven-time world champion O’Sullivan has failed to win a single frame in any best-of-seven or longer contest. Murphy showcased his composure and precision with breaks of 53 and 93, leaving O’Sullivan struggling to find rhythm.

“I don’t know what the statistics are, but it is a long time since I have tasted victory against Ronnie, and they are special anytime they come up,” Murphy told TNT Sports.

Earlier in the tournament, Murphy had also defeated 15-year-old Ziyad Al-Qabbani 4-0, demonstrating consistent form and confidence throughout the competition.

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Quarter-Final Clash

Murphy will now face current Crucible champion Zhao Xintong in the quarter-finals on Thursday at 20:00 GMT. The event has gained significant attention for offering a $1 million reward for potting the golden ball after achieving a maximum 147 break, adding extra tension to the championship.

“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,” Murphy added.

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Controversy Over Table Conditions

The tournament has also faced scrutiny over table conditions in Riyadh. John Higgins criticized the setup despite winning his match 4-0 against Ding Junhui, recording consecutive breaks of 106.

“There are so many…like beer mats underneath the table and it’s raised up,” said Higgins. “Somebody really needs to get told. I don’t know who has passed that, but it’s pathetic for a million-pound tournament.”

Stephen Hendry, working as a TNT Sports pundit, noted the unusual table construction and its impact on play:

“It’s incredible how much it’s been built up. I can only assume the floor is so uneven they have had to build the table up, but as a player you can really feel the difference.”

Higgins will now meet last year’s winner Mark Allen on Thursday, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

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Key Takeaways

• Shaun Murphy secures first win over Ronnie O’Sullivan since 2017.
• Murphy advances to the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship quarter-finals.
• The championship features a $1 million golden ball prize for a maximum 147 break.
• Table conditions in Riyadh have drawn criticism from top players, including John Higgins and Stephen Hendry.
• Quarter-final match-ups: Murphy vs Zhao Xintong and Higgins vs Mark Allen.