Match Reports from the 888.com World Snooker Championship
Three Quarter Murphy
Shaun Murphy 13 – 8 John Parrott
Shaun Murphy won five frames in a row to move into the last eight, but for a while John Parrott threatened a huge upset.
Murphy led 4-0 at one stage in the first session, but a determined Parrott limited the damage to finish up at 5-3. When play resumed, the match continued to twist and turn as neither player was able to get clear.
Murphy, champion two years ago, continued to pick up frames without being at his best. Parrott was not particularly fluent either, but the 42-year-old kept plugging away to frustrate his more fancied opponent.
The first six frames of the session were shared, but with the score 8-6 to Murphy the 15th frame became critical. Parrott looked to have the frame wrapped up, but missed frame ball. Murphy came back, but missed as he got close.
Both players went on to miss the brown three times until Parrott finally took the frame. He then made a magnificent 123 clearance to win the session 5-3 and level the match at 8-8.
The pause came at the wrong time for the 1991 champion, because when the deciding session began Murphy had regrouped. A dazzling break of 131 edged him in front, and he took the next frame in two visits to lead 10-8.
Parrott was in control of the 18th frame but missed an easy pink. Murphy ruthlessly cleared up to go three frames clear, and with his opponent finally succumbing to the pressure he took the next two to win 13-8.
The final session gave the score a skewed appearance, as Parrott kept Murphy honest for the majority of the match. The man from Rotherham progresses to his third successive Crucible quarter-final, where he will play Matthew Stevens or Mark Allen
By David Pritchard
