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Zhao Xintong produced a never-before-seen moment that stunned the Crucible crowd during his quarter-final match against Shaun Murphy. The defending champion is hoping to break the so-called Crucible curse and win back-to-back titles in Sheffield this year. Only two players have retained the honours since Stephen Hendry secured five victories between 1992 and 1996.

Zhao made a flying start to his last-eight showdown with Murphy, winning the first three frames before his form dipped and he shipped five in a row. In the second session, the Chinese potter edged a nervy ninth frame to move within one of drawing level. He got another chance in the 10th and opted for a bold strategy to gain the upper hand.

It was described as a huge risk by commentator Dominic Dale, who asked: "Is he considering this red to the left corner with the rest? He can screw off the pack of reds, but he would be bringing multiple balls into play. It is a very big risk."

Zhao took on the shot knowing he would split the pack of reds and potentially hand Murphy a huge chance should he fail to pot anything.

However, the result was far better than anticipated. He found the left corner pocket with his intended red before two others dropped in, meaning he had potted three reds with just one shot.

"He's knocked it in," said Dale. "In fact, he's potted three. Well, there you go. I don't think I've ever seen that before in professional snooker."

Fellow commentator Alan McManus claimed that he had seen it once before, adding: "I can't remember exactly who it was, it might have been Judd Trump.

"There are two plants that go in on the back of the red he does play. It is just a shame the red that went towards the right middle did not go in as well to complete the set."

The incredible shot left the crowd stunned and handed Zhao a golden opportunity to put together a winning break, but he broke down on 55 when missing a red.

Murphy followed up with a break of 59 to win the frame and extend his advantage to two frames. The next two were shared as the English potter went into the mid-session interval with a slender 7-5 lead.

McManus later said that he thought Zhao had been slightly off the pace, explaining: "It is quite average for him. We are all waiting on him sparking into life and putting together a burst of three or four frames.

"But, at the moment, it is looking really unlikely that that is going to happen. He is struggling. I think he has struggled for the most part."

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