The Masters

In-form Murphy beats Ding and power cut to advance

ESPN staff

January 14, 2014

Shaun Murphy won four consecutive frames to set up a quarter-final tie with Marco Fu © PA Photos

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Shaun Murphy did not just overcome Ding Junhui to book his place in the Masters quarter-finals, but also a power cut as proceedings were delayed by some 80 minutes at Alexandra Palace.

Former world champion Murphy, who in preparation for the tournament made his second career-147 break during the internet-streamed Championship League event at Crondon Park last week, responded from a 4-2 deficit to dump Junhui out of the event at the first stage with a 6-4 win in North London.

China's most successful player showed no signs of being affected by the Ally Pally darkness, racing into a two-frame lead thanks to breaks of 99 and 84.

However, a 71 and 64 from Murphy helped level proceedings before Junhui restored his advantage with an impressive 70 visit.

Junhui restored his two-frame advantage by taking a tight sixth frame, but Murphy showed brilliant resurgence by taking four successive frames - including another 56 break - to confirm his place in the last eight.

Murphy will now face Marco Fu for a spot in the semi-finals after Fu shocked Judd Trump with a 6-5 victory in their first round match on Monday.

There was a power cut at the Masters at the Alexandra Palace. This was the scene at the #snooker not so long ago pic.twitter.com/i4vHLgYr5n
— ESPN.co.uk (@ESPNUK) January 14, 2014

But, after the cameraman gets his guitar out for the crowd, and a lengthy delay, the power is back #snooker pic.twitter.com/q480MLyz06
— ESPN.co.uk (@ESPNUK) January 14, 2014