Shaun Murphy (Eng) v Dave Harold (Eng)

Since then, Murphy has undoubtedly proven that his title success was no flash in the pan and he comes into this tournament ranked as the provisional world number one.

This season’s Grand Prix semi-final was a classic example, 5-3 up on Ronnie O’Sullivan and in sight of a final against Marco Fu he would have been favourite to win and a maiden win against the Rocket to boot.Yet O

Murphy will be able to count upon plenty of backing at the Crucible given that he resides just down the road in Rotherham and that fervent home backing will surely help him progress in this tournament.

He will give Murphy a sufficient enough work-out in this match to prepare him for tougher matches that lie ahead, but ultimately Murphy will know he should have enough about him to win the match.