Shaun Murphy held off a Ding Junhui fightback to win 6-5 and make the quarter-finals of the Victorian Plumbing UK Championship in York.
Victory for Murphy sees him through to his ninth quarter-final in this event, 16 years after his first. That came in the year he captured the UK crown for the first time in his career, defeating Marco Fu in a 10-9 thriller back in 2008.
The result enhances 12-time ranking event winner Murphy's already impressive head-to-head record over Ding to 14-7. Despite today's loss, Ding can console himself with the knowledge he captured his 15th piece of ranking silverware at the recent International Championship.
Murphy has threatened to claim titles this season without quite getting over the line. He was runner-up at the Shanghai Masters to Judd Trump and has appeared in a further two quarter-finals and a semi-final. He's recently started working with 2002 World Champion Peter Ebdon in a coaching capacity, in a bid to add a killer edge to his game.
Defeat for Ding ends his run of consecutive finals here in York. The Chinese legend was runner-up in 2022 and 2023, losing out to Mark Allen and Ronnie O'Sullivan respectively.
The match started off at a tremendous pace, with a 129 from Ding to take the opener. Murphy responded immediately with two on the bounce to make it 2-1, before runs of 53 and 46 moved Ding 3-2 in front.
A crucial turning point came in the sixth, where Ding spurned a black off the spot with the frame at his mercy. Murphy clawed his way back into the frame and eventually potted a mid range pink to restore parity at 3-3. He punched the table and clenched his fist after securing a frame which switched the momentum.
The 2005 Crucible king hit the front after taking the seventh and then surged to the verge of victory with 135 to move 5-3 ahead. With potential defeat looming, Ding summoned his best snooker to stay in contention. The three-time UK Champion fired in breaks of 107 and 126 to restore parity at 5-5 and set up a grandstand finish.
With the pressure at its highest, it was Murphy who stepped up on centre stage with an audacious 147 attempt. His run ended on 65, but that was eventually enough to cross the line and book a quarter-final clash with Barry Hawkins, who defeated defending champion O'Sullivan in round one.
"I'm delighted to get through. It was always going to be a tough match against Ding Junhui. I think he is one of the most important characters of the last 20 years, in terms of the global recognition of snooker. Aside from that he is also one of the best players we've ever seen. To go up against him in a big match out there, when it mattered, and win is a thrill."
Shaun Murphy
2005 World Champion
Murphy added: "I think I've increased my potential best. I've been becoming a better thinker and player. I haven't shown it yet but I think I've got potentially better. That word is important. I've stretched myself and I think I can go further. Whether that is this week or not, I don't know. It is coming though. In moments and flashes, my game is in good shape.
"Myself and Barry have been playing each other since we've been boys. I think anyone who beats Ronnie almost goes favourite to win the tournament. There is a bit of a track record of people beating him having a very good week. There may be a bit of pressure on Barry. I hope he feels as much of that as possible, I hope it piles onto his shoulders! I'm just going to do my thing, try my best and see how we go."
On the other table, Barry Hawkins booked his slot in the quarters with a fiercely contested 6-5 win over David Gilbert.
The Hawk soared in the opening round with his momentous win over O'Sullivan, who he has traditionally fared poorly against. It was a first win over the Rocket since the 2016 World Championship.
Hawkins took that momentum into today with a stunning 144 to take the opener. However, he eventually found himself facing the exit when he trailed 5-4. Gilbert looked like he was set for victory before he missed a green with the rest. Hawkins held his nerve to force the decider, which he won to book his place in the last eight against Murphy. The win enhances his hopes of qualification for the Johnstone's Paint Masters and knocks Neil Robertson out of contention for a place.
"I thought I was going home. It was all over. He pots the green and it is a natural angle to come round for the brown. I was thinking whether I was driving home tonight or staying here to go to the pub! It is amazing," said four-time ranking event winner Hawkins.
"It's going to be a massive match against Shaun. I'm glad I've got the day off tomorrow. I can go away, regroup and chill to go again on Friday. Shaun has been there and done it. He's a Triple crown winner and a very dangerous player when he's on his game. I'll keep doing what I'm doing."