Shaun Murphy questions Zhao Xintong fear factor ahead of Crucible clash

Zhao Xintong takes on the 2005 world champion in the Crucible quarter-finals (Picture: Getty Images)

Shaun Murphy sees Zhao Xintong as the ‘best player on the planet’ but does not feel he necessarily creates a fear factor around the table.

The Magician and the Cyclone begin a mouth-watering World Snooker Championship quarter-final on Tuesday morning.

The Englishman edged past Fan Zhengyi in dramatic fashion in his opening round, before demolishing Xiao Guodong 13-3 in the last 16.

The defending champion has not produced many fireworks so far, but has done enough to down Liam Highfield and Ding Junhui to keep his hop...