The 2025 UK Snooker Championship delivered high drama on Thursday, with Shaun Murphy producing a remarkable fightback to edge out John Higgins in a pulsating last-16 clash. The match went down to the final black in a deciding frame, highlighting the intense competition at one of snooker's most prestigious tournaments.
Murphy's Miraculous Comeback Seals Quarter-Final Spot
Shaun Murphy showed tremendous grit to overcome a significant deficit against four-time world champion John Higgins. Trailing 4-1 and later 5-3, the 2005 world champion dug deep to force a decider, which he ultimately won in a nerve-shredding conclusion. This victory books Murphy's place in the quarter-finals alongside Barry Hawkins, who also progressed on Thursday.
The tournament has already seen its fair share of surprises, none bigger than the early departure of the sport's biggest star. Ronnie O'Sullivan, the record eight-time UK champion, suffered a shock first-round defeat to China's Zhou Yuelong. This result denied O'Sullivan the chance to extend his incredible record in the event, sending shockwaves through the York Barbican.
Trump's Title Defence and Selby's Strong Form
Defending champion and world number one Judd Trump successfully began his campaign to retain the trophy, but not without a stern test. Trump secured a hard-fought 6-4 victory over former UK champion Stephen Maguire, demonstrating the resilience needed to navigate the early rounds of a major ranking event.
Meanwhile, four-time world champion Mark Selby has been in imperious form. After comfortably reaching the last 16, Selby dispatched Zhou Yuelong 6-2, effectively ending the Chinese player's run after his giant-killing act against O'Sullivan. Selby's controlled and consistent performance marks him out as a serious contender for the title.
An Unpredictable Season Reaches its Peak
The narrative of a wide-open season has been reinforced in York. The 2025 campaign had already seen 11 different winners from the first 11 ranking events, underscoring the incredible depth and quality on the modern tour. This trend suggests the UK Championship winner is far from a foregone conclusion.
Other elite players continue to advance, maintaining the high standard. Reigning World Champion Zhao Xintong and three-time UK winner Neil Robertson have both safely progressed to the last 16, setting up potential blockbuster matches in the days ahead.
The financial stakes at the UK Championship are immense, with a total prize fund exceeding £1.2 million. The champion will pocket a hefty £250,000 cheque, adding significant weight to every pot and safety shot as the tournament reaches its climax.
