Globe-Trotter Murphy Flying In Fürth
Shaun Murphy reached the last 16 of the Paul Hunter Classic with a trio of wins in Fürth on Friday, conceding just three frames.
Murphy lost to Luca Brecel in the final of the China Championship on Tuesday, and needed four flights in two days to get from Guangzhou to Germany, via Dubai and England. But he shrugged off any effects of jet-lag as he saw off Adam Stefanow 4-2, Sam Baird 4-1 and Ken Doherty 4-0, knocking in a century and nine more breaks over 50 in his three matches.
“I don’t mind the travelling and I feel fine,” said world number five Murphy, who will now face Zhao Xintong in the last 16 on Sunday. “Being a pro snooker player is my dream job and flying around the world is part of that – I enjoy it. I had a good run in China and now this is a new tournament with a trophy there for someone to win. I’m not here to make the numbers up. The more matches you play, the sharper you get, and I scored heavily today.
“Losing the final to Luca was an opportunity missed, because the chances to win ranking titles don’t come around that often. But I’ve got another chance to win one this week.”
China’s Zhao beat Craig Steadman 4-2 in the last 32 with top breaks of 87 and 86.
Jamie Jones came from 2-0 down to win a Welsh derby against Dominic Dale 4-2. Jones compiled a run of 100 in frame three and later finished the match with an excellent 65 clearance in frame six.
Gary Wilson beat amateur Andy Symons 4-1 with a top break of 63, while Tom Ford top scored with 70 in a 4-0 win over Jamie Cope.
Chris Wakelin came from 2-0 and 3-2 down to edge out Michael Georgiou 4-3, while Ben Woollaston saw off Stuart Carrington 4-1. Peter Lines beat Paul Davison 4-1.