Murphy makes history

The Englishman became the first player in the 31-year history of ranking events to rack up four successive century breaks in a best-of-nine match.

Murphy followed up a bumper 135 clearance in the opening frame, with breaks of 123, 102, and 101 to storm into a 4-0 lead.

He was also on course for a fifth century in the final frame before losing position on 31, and he admitted afterwards that despite breaking the record, he was still upset that he couldn't make it a perfect five-for-five.

“That was disappointing because I wanted five on the bounce. That would've been something,” he said.

“I'm really proud but I'm sure the record will be beaten in years to come. Standards are improving all the time.”

John Higgins did also manage to knock down four consecutive century breaks in a 2005 Grand Prix fixture over Ronnie O'Sullivan but that was in a best-of-17 match.

No player has ever produced five consecutive centuries in a ranking event.

Cope, admitted that he was simply outclassed in a match where he was outscored 556-32 by Murphy.

“That's the best anyone has ever played against me,” he conceded.

“Shaun played brilliantly and everything fell perfectly for him. He was flawless and it was good to watch.”

Murphy meanwhile, now believes that he can make a major run at the title, with Scotland's Jamie Burnett next up for him in the Last 16.

“I went to Malta knowing that I was playing really well in practice but sorely lacking in confidence,” he said.

“That's not an issue now though”