Crucible Transforms Following World Snooker Championship Quarter-Finals

THE Crucible oversaw a transformation after the quarter-finals this week as organisers constructed a new table set-up.

The has reached the semi-final phase after a set of exciting last eight ties.

World Snooker Championship chiefs have transformed the Crucible ahead of the semi-finals Credit: Alamy

Defending champion , who secured a 13-10 win on Wednesday.

And also sealed his place in the semis after beating Australian star Neil Robertson by the same score.

And officials are now gearing up for the business end of the competition as they get to work on getting the Crucible ready.

A picture on social media has shown construction workers preparing the centre of the arena.

It appears to hint at a one-table set-up for the semis and final as workers mapped out the space in the Crucible.

The base table was seen to the side while a grid was laid down on the ground next to it.

Fans were impressed by look of it as on wrote on X: “Credit to all those working through the night to create the famous one-table set up, don’t think they get enough credit.”

It came after reigning champ Xintong was struck by the Crucible Curse against Murphy on Wednesday.

Defending champion Zhao Xintong was victim of the Crucible Curse as he lost to Shaun Murphy Credit: Getty Murphy will play John Higgins in the last four after he defeated Neil Robertson Credit: PA

Zhao won the opening three frames to race into an early lead before the Magician hit back with five unanswered frames to put himself into the drivers’ seat.

The Chinese cueist levelled things up ahead of the final session but Murphy had too much for him as he wrapped up an impressive victory.

Murphy was full of praise for Zhao and called it one of the biggest wins of his career.

He said: “I think when you are playing great player – which Zhao unquestionably is – it makes it straightforward for you,” Murphy told BBC Sport.

“I just knew I had to play properly and knew I had to be somewhere near my best and I think I was.

“I’m so in awe of Zhao Xintong and how he plays the game. When he is in full flow, he is mesmerising to watch. It is one of the best wins of my career.”

Zhao added: “Shaun played really well and put me under big pressure. He played perfect snooker and deserves his win.

“All this season I have had big pressure but now it is gone. I trust myself to come back strongly.”

Murphy will now face Higgins in the last four while Mark Allen will play Wu Yize.