Shaun Murphy Stuns Ronnie O’Sullivan with a Stunning 4-0 Whitewash
In a jaw-dropping display of snooker brilliance, Shaun Murphy delivered a performance for the ages, dismantling Ronnie O’Sullivan 4-0 in the opening round of the 2025 tournament in Riyadh. The result marks Murphy’s first win over O’Sullivan since 2017, a truly sweet victory after years of near-misses and heartbreak in their high-stakes battles.
The match unfolded in electrifying fashion, with Murphy putting on a masterclass in long potting, positioning, and break-building. His clinical 93 and 53 breaks were the key highlights, showcasing his impressive composure and precision under pressure. As the frames progressed, O’Sullivan—often regarded as the greatest player of all time—struggled to find his rhythm, with Murphy capitalizing on every mistake to seal a whitewash, leaving the snooker world in disbelief.
For Murphy, this win is more than just a personal triumph—it’s a statement. He avenges five straight losses to O’Sullivan, including tough defeats in the 2017 UK Championship final, the 2018 Players Championship, and the 2019 Shanghai Masters. It’s clear now that the 2025 version of “The Magician” is a force to be reckoned with.
The victory sets up a tantalizing Quarter-Final clash with China’s rising star, Zhao Xintong, as Murphy continues his red-hot form this season. Fans on social media were quick to praise Murphy’s flawless performance, with one fan, Tertom, stating, “I enjoyed every minute of that match! Well done, Shaun!”
As Murphy advances in the tournament, it’s clear that his quest for another major title is in full swing—and if he plays like this, there’s no telling how far he can go.