And with a 5-2 victory Murphy must now beat Crucible legend Hendry if he is going to progress to his second ranking event quarter-final of the season.

"There's nothing left to be said about Stephen in truth, everything that has been said about him as been said so many times. He's a class player," said Murphy.

"But nowadays anyone who is in the tournament can win it, so I won't be taking anyone lightly."

Murphy lost to Hendry at last season's SAGA Insurance Masters - but having reached the semi-finals of last month's Aberdeen Grand Prix, is full of confidence that he can have a successful run of Irish soil.

"I was obviously disappointed to lose, but I took a lot more positives away from Aberdeen than negatives," Murphy reflected on his loss to eventual runner-up Ronnie O'Sullivan.

"Everyone who I've spoke to has said what a great match it was and how much they enjoyed it. I matched that and I really enjoyed the match.

"I've got no complaints from Aberdeen, only good memories. I'm looking to continue my form over here."

Murphy has plenty of support in Belfast and had Irish grandparents. The world number three is hoping to use that support to his advantage.

"I've very well supported over here," he said. "When you walk down the street people are always saying hello and asking how I'm doing.

"I'm sure at the tournament picks and gets towards the final stages, the more people will come and the more people who will be supporting.

"The Irish love their snooker - and long may it continue. My grandparents were Irish, you can't get much more Irish than being called Shaun Murphy."