Shaun Murphy claimed his first victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan since 2017, with a 4-0 whitewash, as he moved into the quarter-finals of the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship.

It was the primary event since 2023 that seven-time world champion O’Sullivan had did not win a body in any contest of seven frames or extra.

Murphy, who had additionally earlier defeated 15-year-old Ziyad Al-Qabbani 4-0, produced a number of gorgeous pots and registered breaks of 53 and 93 in opposition to O’Sullivan, who had little or no time to seek out his rhythm.

“I do not know what the statistics are, however it’s a very long time since I’ve tasted victory in opposition to Ronnie and they’re particular any time they arrive up even in brief match like this,” Murphy advised TNT Sports activities.

“It’s such a prestigious occasion and you realize everyone seems to be making an attempt 100% so regardless of it solely being a best-of-seven I used to be happy with how I performed and delighted to get by way of.

“I simply tried to exit and play like I’ve all season and fortunately for me most of these lengthy reds went in.”

Murphy will now face present Crucible champion Zhao Xintong within the final eight on Thursday (20:00 GMT) in an occasion that has attracted large publicity for providing a reward of $1m (£760,000) for potting the golden ball after making a most 147.

In the meantime, John Higgins delivered a withering evaluation of the desk circumstances within the Saudi Arabian capital regardless of compiling consecutive breaks of 106 to seal a 4-0 success over Ding Junhui.

“There are such a lot of…like beer mats beneath the desk and it is raised up,” stated the Scot.

“Someone actually must get advised. I do not know who has handed that however it’s pathetic for a million-pound event. It truly is unhealthy.”

Stephen Hendry, who was working as a studio pundit for TNT Sports activities, added: “It is unbelievable how a lot it has been constructed up.

“I can solely assume the ground is so uneven they’ve needed to construct the desk up, however as a participant you may actually really feel the distinction.”

Higgins, 50, will now meet final 12 months’s winner Mark Allen on Thursday, aiming for a spot within the semi-finals.