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.