World Snooker Championship 2026: Shaun Murphy Insists Crucible Curse Will “Never” Be Broken

The infamous ‘Crucible Curse’ has claimed another victim, as the reigning world champion Zhao Xintong became the 21st first-time winner unable to defend their crown at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

Since the tournament moved to the venue in 1977, no debut champion has successfully retained the title, and this year proved no different, with Xintong joining the list.

Murphy’s Magical Masterclass

Shaun Murphy, the 2005 world champion, produced a stunning display to knock out Zhao 13-10 and book his place in a sixth World Championship semi-final at the 2026 edition. 

Described as “superhuman” by Steve Davis, Murphy’s performance had an almost supernatural edge, a reminder of why he is nicknamed “The Magician.”

‘The Curse Will Never Be Broken’

Murphy, who himself fell victim to the curse in 2006 when Peter Ebdon denied him, was unequivocal when asked if the hoodoo could ever end.

“No, never. <laugh> There's a reason why it's called the Crucible Curse,” Murphy told SportsBoom.co.uk, when asked if it’ll ever be broken.

“You've gotta be careful, those snooker gods are always listening.”

“We've all watched enough and we've all been around the block long enough to; I don't think the crucible curse will ever be broken.”

Zhao Unsure on the Hoodoo

Zhao, by contrast, was less definitive in his response when asked the same question.

“I don't know,” Zhao bluntly responded, followed by a laugh, when asked if he believes the Crucible Curse will ever be beaten.

Backing Murphy for Glory

The first ever Chinese world champ may be unsure whether the curse will ever be broken, but he is convinced that Murphy has what it takes to lift the trophy.

“Yes, if he plays like today, definitely,” Zhao confirmed.

Murphy: Success Not Entirely in His Hands

When Zhao’s comments were put to Murphy, the Englishman offered a measured response, stressing how much of championship success lies beyond a player’s control.

“I think to win the trophy you need so much to go right and so much of its outside of your control,” Murphy added. 

“If you were writing a list of ingredients to be a champion of Snooker, Lady Looks on it, you need your opponent to have an off day. I'm not in control of any of those things, so I can only do what I can do, which at the moment is working.”

“But if someone has a rip-roaring day or doesn't miss or has a bit of luck here or there and flukes a ball or whatever, like I can't do anything about that.”

‘Better Than I Was 21 Years Ago’

Despite acknowledging the role of fortune, Murphy spoke confidently about his current form, believing he is stronger now than when he first lifted the trophy.

“But I would say I'm in the best shape I've been since winning the championship. I think I'm a better player than I was 21 years ago.”

“I'm a more astute player than I was 21 years ago, been to the final three times since then, tried to recreate that magic, not quite made it.”

“Once you get to the one table setup, you're not too far away. So, whatever I've got left in the tank after a really good season, I'm gonna give it all over the next few days,” he concluded.