Impressive Murphy is in pole position for back-to-back finals

From 8.30am, Sunday

Shaun Murphy is in a good position to make it back-to-back finals after easing through to the last 16 of the Paul Hunter Classic in Furth.

The Magician, who found only 200-1 shot Luca Brecel too good in the China Championship last Tuesday, will play Zhao Xintong for a quarter-final berth in Germany after thrashing Ken Doherty 4-0 in round three of the main competition.

Murphy leads Zhao 2-0 in their personal series – he posted a couple of centuries against the Chinese player in their most recent clash in the 2016 Scottish Open. But Zhao is learning so punters should take care.

Gary Wilson against Chris Wakelin should be a cracker – both players are in good nick – and the match lasting over 5.5 frames appeals.

Recommendation
G Wilson v C Wakelin over 5.5 frames
1pt 6-10 Coral

Furth results – G Wilson: J White 4-2, R Lawler 4-0, A Symons 4-1; C Wakelin: K Hirani 4-0, N Saengkham 4-0, M Georgiou 4-3; P Lines: U Dikme 4-1, Jak Jones 4-2, P Davison 4-1; Jamie Jones: B J Castle 4-2, M O’Donnell 4-2, D Dale 4-2; B Woollaston: R Hull 4-1, B Cini 4-0, S Carrington 4-1; T Ford: R Read 4-0, A Ursenbacher 4-1, J Cope 4-0; S Murphy: A Stefanow 4-2, S Baird 4-1, K Doherty 4-0; Zhao Xintong: R Evans 4-0, K Johal 4-0, C Steadman 4-2.