Selby and Murphy Crash Out In Yushan

Mark Selby and Shaun Murphy suffered shock exits on day two of the Yushan World Open.

World Champion Selby succumbed to a 5-2 loss against world number 69 Lee Walker. Selby looked out of sorts during the defeat, with Walker playing the more assured safety play between the pair.

The Welshman hadn’t won a match in the final stages of an event this season, but he produced solid matchplay snooker this evening. Selby is yet to hit top form this season, following a toe injury suffered in May.

“He didn’t play his best snooker today, but when he does not many people can beat him so I’m over the moon to be through,” said former Crucible quarter-finalist Walker. “You don’t want to draw the bigger players, but when you do have to face them you can relax a bit. I obviously felt pressure at the end, because it is a great win. However, you can settle a bit because nobody expects you to win.”

Murphy crashed out at the hands of Daniel Wells, who inflicted a 5-3 defeat.

Wells enjoyed one of the best runs of his career in this event last year, reaching the last 16. He made breaks of 71 and 76 in today’s win.

Murphy revealed after the match that he suffered a neck injury whilst travelling to Yushan after last week’s Indian Open.

Murphy said: “I was in real pain throughout the match. Funnily enough it happened to Anthony Hamilton against me in the China Championship and he had to withdraw. I thought I would give it a try. In one way I’m relieved the match is over, but I also don’t want to take anything away from Daniel. That is the best he has played against me.”

Ding Junhui held off a Zhang Anda fightback to emerge a 5-3 winner in their last 64 tie.

Ding had moved into a 4-1 advantage, but Zhang took the following two frames to move within one of his compatriot. The match looked like it could be going to a decider, but Ding took the eighth frame on the black to progress.

Mark Allen secured a 5-1 defeat of Oliver Lines to book his place in tomorrow’s last 32.

The Pistol was in fine form this evening, compiling breaks of 87, 58 and 61 on his way to the win. Next up is Allan Taylor tomorrow evening.

For full results click here.