Former snooker world champions set for intense Crucible showdown in Hong Kong
Shaun Murphy and Neil Robertson are set for a decisive showdown in Hong Kong that could significantly impact their rankings for the upcoming World Snooker Championship in Sheffield. Both former world champions are currently at risk of not securing a spot in the top 16, which would exempt them from needing to qualify for the prestigious tournament that begins in six weeks.
A victory at this weekend’s World Grand Prix would award them £180,000 and likely guarantee their place in the main draw of the World Championship. Murphy, 42, achieved a notable victory over John Higgins, the recent World Open champion, with impressive breaks of 143 and 112, leading to a 5-3 win. Meanwhile, 43-year-old Robertson overcame a two-frame deficit to defeat Xiao Guodong, with a 5-3 win in the quarter-finals.
As they prepare to face off in the semi-finals, which will be decided over a best-of-11 frames match, both players are acutely aware of the high stakes. Murphy, who claimed the world title in 2005, remarked on the competitive rankings, stating, “I’ve been closely monitoring the standings all week. It’s been tough because others around me, including Neil, have also performed well.”
He added, “Let’s shake hands, have a good match, and see who reaches the final. I suspect it will be a close contest.” Reflecting on his match against Higgins, Murphy noted the difficulty of competing against him, especially following Higgins’ recent tournament success, which has rejuvenated his confidence and purpose. Despite the challenging playing conditions, Murphy expressed his respect for Higgins, describing it as an honor to share the stage with someone who has been a mentor since his teenage years.
Elsewhere, World No. 1 Judd Trump delivered a remarkable performance against the injured Iranian player Hossein Vafaei, achieving breaks of 145, 108, 115, and 146, showcasing his exceptional potting skills.
