Shaun Murphy into semi-finals as Zhao Xintong falls victim to ‘Crucible curse’

Zhao Xintong reacts after playing a shot during his quarter final match against Shaun Murphy, on day twelve of the Halo World Snooker Championship 2026 at the Crucible Theatre. Pic: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

Shaun Murphy stormed into the World Snooker Championship semi-finals as defending champion Zhao Xintong became the 21st player to fall victim to the so-called ‘Crucible curse’.

Murphy’s 13-10 triumph extends the list of first-time winners who have failed to return the following year and successfully defend their crown.