Snooker: Murphy Blasts Outside Table After Losing to Bingham

The world champion Shaun Murphy crashed out of the grand prix in Preston last night and then complained of having to play his third-round match on an outside table.

"At a time when we are supposed to be promoting young players, it seems strange to put the world champion on an outside table," said Murphy, who suffered a 5-4 defeat at the hands of Stuart Bingham who, in winning, set up a quater-final meeting with John Higgins who comfortably disposed of Steve Davis 5-1.

Stephen Hendry prevailed 5-4 in a match of many twists and turns over Northern Ireland's No1 Gerard Greene while Ronnie O'Sullivan also booked a place in the last eight courtesy of a 5-2 victory against Joe Swail. O'Sullivan will play Barry Pinches, 5-4 victor over Jimmy White.