Shaun Murphy hits top form to end Zhao Xintong’s Crucible title defence

Shaun Murphy defeated defending World Snooker Champion Zhao Xintong 13-10 at the Crucible to advance to the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship. Zhao becomes the 21st player to fall victim to the so-called 'Crucible curse,' joining the list of first-time winners who failed to successfully defend their title the following year. Elsewhere in the tournament, Mark Allen also progressed to the semi-finals following an error by his opponent Hawkins.