Shaun Murphy hits top form to end Zhao Xintong’s title defence

‘Curse of the Crucible’ strikes as Murphy prevails 13-10

Mark Allen into semis after ‘unforgivable’ Hawkins error

Shaun Murphy stormed into the world championship semi‑finals in Sheffield as the defending ­champion, Zhao ­Xintong, became the 21st player to fall victim to the so-called “Crucible curse”.

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