Shaun Murphy held off a spirited fightback from Neil Robertson to knock the defending champion out of the Masters in the first round
Australian had been suffering with flu in buildup to tournamentShaun Murphy lines up a shot at Alexandra Palace on Sunday.Last modified on Sun 8 Jan 2023 21.54 GMT
Robertson won the opening frame with a break of 73 but Murphy reeled off the next five in succession thanks to contributions of 98, 53, 61 and 100, the century coming after Robertson had miscued horribly on the black.Murphy had the chance to wrap up victory in a 48-minute seventh frame only to miss the green after a superb pot on the yellow with the rest and that looked set to be a turning point.
“I was as surprised as anyone to find myself 5-1 ahead,” Murphy told the BBC. “I played well but of course against Neil you don’t expect to be in that position. The seventh frame, that won’t be on the highlights, we both had chances, and from then on I’ve just sat in the chair for 45 minutes whilst he played snooker from the gods.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australian Open champ, whose early retirement remains a mystery, dies in New YorkSavitt, who walked away from the game to become a businessman, remains one of just four men from the United States to win the Australian Open and Wimbledon in a single season.
Read more »
Seven-time grand slam champ withdraws from Aus Open - and it’s good news for one AussieThe AustralianOpen has been dealt another blow with two-time finalist Venuseswilliams forced out of the Melbourne major with injury. 7NEWS
Read more »
Mocking rival accuses Djokovic of faking injuryNovak Djokovic appeared to be troubled by an injury last night. 🤕 His doubtful opponent made fun of him on the court. 🌶️ 9WWOS AdelaideInternational Tennis
Read more »
Two-time champion Osaka withdraws from Australian OpenThe Australian Open loses another major drawcard, as former world number one Naomi Osaka pulls out of the tournament.
Read more »
Australian Open and Wimbledon tennis champion dies aged 95Dick Savitt, who won the AustralianOpen and Wimbledon in 1951 shortly before walking away from a tennis career at age 25, has died. 7NEWS
Read more »
Iran executes karate champion and volunteer children's coach amid crackdown on protestsIran said it executed two men on Saturday convicted of allegedly killing a paramilitary volunteer during a demonstration, the latest executions aimed at halting the nationwide protests now challenging the country's theocracy. 9News
Read more »