OSullivan

World number one Judd Trump lost to Thailand’s Noppon Saengkham, while Shaun Murphy set a new scoring record and Ronnie O’Sullivan made a winning start to his campaign on day two of the China Open.

Trump could lose his world number one ranking before the end of the month after a 6-3 loss to Saengkham, ranked 45th in the world.

In round two, the Thai player will face seven-time world champion O’Sullivan, who made a century break and four further breaks over 60 as he recovered from losing the opening two frames to beat Wales’ Jackson Page 6-2.

The China Open is the first main ranking tournament of the 2026-27 season and former world champion Murphy made some snooker history in his 6-0 victory over fellow Englishman Matthew Selt.

Murphy, who lost 18-17 in the World Championship final to China’s Wu Yize in May, made breaks of 18, 61, 132, 103, 139, 113 and 41 in frame six, before playing safe for a record total of 607 unanswered points before Selt potted a ball.

His tally surpassed the previous record of 556, set by O’Sullivan during a 6-0 win over Ricky Walden at the 2014 Masters.

Murphy, who turns 44 on Monday, told the World Snooker Tour (WST) website: “I can’t believe it, I’m over the moon.

“I knew I was close – at the interval I didn’t want to go looking on any websites to check what the record was. If you find yourself in the bubble and in the flow, you just want to stay in it.

“It was a delight to play for a great crowd out there and put on a good show. I haven’t set that many records throughout my career and I am sure someone will go out and beat this one at some stage. But to be part of snooker history in this way is a great thrill.”

As well as setting a new record for most points without reply, Murphy also equalled the record for the most consecutive centuries with four, something he has now done twice. Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen and Australia’s Neil Robertson are the others to have achieved that feat.

Murphy’s incredible day could have got better in frame five as he was on course for a maximum 147, only for the run to end at 113 as he missed the 15th black.

Liverpool club record signing Denise O’Sullivan is expected to leave this summer just six months after joining.

It is understood a return to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is most likely and Gotham FC are favourites to sign her.

The Republic of Ireland international joined Liverpool in January for £300,000 and has been a standout performer since her arrival.

Her departure is a huge disappointment to the Reds, who are looking to rebuild following a disappointing campaign in 2025-26.

During her time at Liverpool, O’Sullivan has made 13 appearances, including nine in the league, and helped Gareth Taylor’s side reach the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals.

Reports suggest, external O’Sullivan’s move could involve an initial one-year loan with an obligation-to-buy clause included.

Sources have told BBC Sport that Liverpool are in positive discussions with O’Sullivan and Gotham and are expected to receive a large fee in return for her departure.

O’Sullivan’s decision to leave Liverpool is believed to be a personal one as she seeks a return to the United States, where she spent nine seasons with North Carolina Courage, making over 150 appearances and captaining the side.

The 32-year-old is vastly experienced on the international stage, making 132 appearances for the Republic of Ireland and played a key role in their Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign this year.

Liverpool still hope to be active in the transfer window having already made three signings, though losing O’Sullivan and being unable to turn goalkeeper Jennifer Falk’s loan move into a permanent deal are blows to the club’s summer plans.