Shaun Murphy wants Ronnie O'Sullivan match-up

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A 10-1 victory over Dumbarton's Marcus Campbell, who avoided a whitewash by winning the 10th frame of their first-round match, today carried Sale-based Murphy through to the last 16 of the Betfred.com World Championship.

The 28-year-old is seeded to tackle O'Sullivan next, but Murphy suspects the three-time former champion could be vulnerable in his opener against Welsh journeyman Dale.

That tussle gets under way tomorrow afternoon, with O'Sullivan heading into it on the back of four first-round defeats in major events, including the UK Championship and the Masters.

Thirty-five-year-old O'Sullivan also threatened to pull out of the World Championship 10 days ago, but reversed his decision 24 hours later.

The possibility of facing snooker's greatest enigma excites Murphy, but the 2005 champion said:

"I'm not sure it's a guarantee he's going to win his opening match. It's a long time since he won."

Murphy against O'Sullivan would be an early clash of two of the sport's heavyweights.

"Potentially it's a great match," Murphy said. "He couldn't be any more dangerous. He's one of the best players we've ever had.

"If it's going to be O'Sullivan I'll have to play well but I am playing well. I'm in good form and can't wait for the rest of the tournament."

Should Murphy reach the quarter-finals he might find John Higgins blocking his path to the last four, having been unfortunate to find himself in the draw's most difficult quarter.

"If I were to win here this fortnight nobody could say I haven't earned it with that draw," Murphy said.