• World Snooker Championship

Murphy in control, Robertson crashes out

Shaun Murphy fired in two centuries en route to a four-frame advantage over Graeme Dott © PA Photos

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Shaun Murphy made a lightning start to his second round encounter against Graeme Dott at the World Snooker Championship by winning six of the eight opening frames to lead 6-2 at the Crucible, but Neil Robertson suffered an early exit.

In a battle of the former world champions, it was Murphy who was on top of his game as he capitalised on Dott being unable to convert his opportunities.

Murphy was a comfortable winner over Martin Gould in the first round, and the Englishman carried his good form over, moving a frame in front.

Dott, who saw off the challenge of Peter Ebdon in three gruelling sessions in the previous round, punished a missed red from Murphy in fine style, as the Scot compiled a 77 to make it 1-1.

However, former UK champion Murphy atoned for his error with two consecutive century breaks of 128 and 112 to hold a 3-1 advantage at the midsession interval.

Dott closed the gap to one frame by taking the fifth for 3-2, but Murphy pulled further clear to clinch the final three frames with top runs of 54 and 99.

Robertson crashed out of the tournament after suffering a 10-8 defeat to Robert Milkins.

The champion from 2010 held a 5-4 overnight lead but fell 6-5 behind. Robertson levelled with an 86 but Milkins edged in front once again, and when Robertson made it 8-8, Milkins held his nerve to send the Australian packing and wrap up a famous victory.

Michael White improved his chances of making the quarter-final, taking a 7-1 overnight lead of Thailand's Dechawat Poomjaeng. The match continues on Friday afternoon.

Stuart Bingham advanced to the last 16 with an impressive 10-2 victory over Sam Baird and will now take on Mark Davis for a place in the quarter-final.

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