By Julian Shea & Saj Chowdhury BBC Sport at The Crucible

Shaun Murphy had failed to win on his two previous visits to the Crucible so his win over John Higgins to reach the last eight was the biggest shock yet.

Shaun Murphy was happy to stay on his feet

When asked about his aims before his first round match, however, rather than talk himself up as a big shot, he showed admirable honesty.

"I was satisfied to make it down the stairs without falling over," said the Rotherham-based 22-year-old.

"I was wearing new shoes and that floor out there can be very slippery."

This championship has already witnessed some great moments.

Who can forget Mark Williams' 147 maximum, Ian McCulloch's celebrations and... er... Ronnie O'Sullivan.

But there was one spectacle that arguably eclisped them all - the match between Peter Ebdon and Stephen Lee.

It lasted nine hours, with four frames over 40 minutes and finished at 11pm.

"I have been cured of insomnia!" screamed one fan after the marathon.

The election reached the Crucible on Monday as defence minister Geoff Hoon poked his head into the media room.

Mid-campaign, it seemed unlikely he would have the time to be here as a fan and before he could be asked for his tip for the title, he had moved on.

Even if he had revealed himself to be a fan, it is unlikely we could tell you.

Under electoral rules, we would also have to offer other parties a chance to air their views on who they thought were Ronnie O'Sullivan's main rivals.