Shaun Murphy is relishing the opportunity for revenge on Jack Lisowski in the last eight of the 2024 MrQ Masters at Alexandra Palace, writes Ziad Chaudry.

Both players began their chase to claim World Snooker Tour’s richest invitational event in barnstorming fashion as 2015 champion Murphy defeated debutant Zhang Anda 6-2 to set up an intriguing clash with Lisowski, who defeated Belgium’s defending world champion Luca Brecel by the same scoreline.

Brecel, 28, beat Mark Selby 18-15 in Sheffield last May to claim his maiden world title and believes Lisowski, 32, can go all the way and lift his first MrQ Masters success.

“Jack can win every tournament he plays in, he’s that good,” said Brecel.

“It’s a miracle he hasn’t won one (Masters title) yet. I think he’s been a bit unlucky actually. People say he’s got no bottle but that’s one of the worst quotes you could ever say about Jack because he has it.

"He’s just been unlucky in finals and he’s played (Mark) Selby a couple of times and also (Judd) Trump. 

“He could've been a multiple world ranking winner easily and he can easily win this week and I love Jack, he’s just fantastic.”

Lisowski potted the final black to edge past Murphy 4-3 in the last 64 of the Cazoo British Open in September and Murphy, the 2005 world champion, remembers it very well.

“It was very, very close of course,” said the 41-year-old. "He made that wonder clearance (63 break) from tucked under the baulk rail. He had to pot the red which was 1-in-100, with black next shot which was 1-in-200 and clear up. He got the lot unfortunately but that’s the nature of the man, that’s the talent of the player.

“I did have my chance to win that match but I fluffed it on 60 odd so you do get your chances against Jack and if I can pot more balls than him hopefully I can get through.

“Jack just so talented and he can turn it on at a moment’s notice. I don’t think he’s had the best season at this point but I think with your form I’m not sure it really matters. 

“We’ve been waiting for him to win. He could win this week, I hope not but he’s more than ready to win big.”

Ronnie O'Sullivan is due to play his last-eight match against Australia’s two-time winner Neil Robertson or Barry Hawkins, having began his bid for a record-breaking eighth Masters crown with a 6-3 success over 2011 champion Ding Junhui, who made a maximum 147 break – the fourth in the tournament’s glittering 50-year history.

"Ding was never out of position once on the 147. His cue ball control is better than anyone else. He's a delight to watch, I am envious of the way he does that," said O'Sullivan.

Three years after his last MrQ Masters appearance, Ali Carter enjoyed a triumphant return to Ally Pally defeating two-time champion and last year’s beaten finalist Mark Williams 6-4.

He will play his quarter-final against defending champion Judd Trump or Kyran Wilson on Friday (1pm), before Mark Allen or John Higgins meets Mark Selby or Robert Milkins in the final tie at 7pm.

A limited number of tickets for the remaining sessions are still available at wst.tv, with all the action on the BBC, Eurosport and Discovery+.