'Plum draw' evokes memories of Scott's dream night

A look back at his memorable match and career

When the draw for the 2001 World Snooker Championship was made, few could have predicted the remarkable story that would unfold. Ronnie O'Sullivan, the defending champion, was drawn to face qualifier Shaun Murphy in the first round. Murphy, a 20-year-old from Rotherham, England, was ranked 48th in the world and had never won a ranking event. O'Sullivan, on the other hand, was the world number one and one of the most feared players on the circuit.

The match was played over two days at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England. Murphy took an early lead, but O'Sullivan fought back to win the first session 5-3. Murphy won the second session 5-4 to level the match at 8-8. The third session was a tight affair, with both players trading frames. O'Sullivan eventually won the session 5-3 to take a 13-11 lead into the final session.

The final session was a tense and dramatic affair. Murphy won the first two frames to level the match at 13-13. O'Sullivan then won the next two frames to take a 15-13 lead. Murphy won the next frame to make it 15-14, but O'Sullivan then potted a long red to clinch the match 16-14.

Murphy's victory was one of the biggest upsets in the history of the World Snooker Championship. He became the first qualifier to reach the semi-finals of the tournament since Mark Allen in 1993. Murphy's run to the semi-finals was all the more remarkable considering that he had only turned professional the previous year.

Murphy's victory over O'Sullivan was a major turning point in his career. He went on to win the UK Championship in 2005 and the World Championship in 2008. He is now one of the most successful snooker players in the world.

O'Sullivan's defeat to Murphy was a rare blip in his otherwise stellar career. He has won the World Championship seven times, the UK Championship six times, and the Masters seven times. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest snooker players of all time.

The 2001 World Snooker Championship was a memorable tournament for both Murphy and O'Sullivan. Murphy's victory over O'Sullivan was a major upset, while O'Sullivan's defeat was a rare blip in his otherwise stellar career.