Speaking after their latest match, Murphy said: "I think if there's any fear factor gone, I think it's probably a generational thing. I think maybe for the younger kids who haven't experienced the pain of what he can do to you, I think that might be the case. I think if you've not experienced that, if you're one of the new young kids, you go: 'Oh, there's Ronnie O'Sullivan, that's great, but come on, let's get on for a match' Players of my generation, and a few floating around since, have had some good hidings off Ronnie O'Sullivan over the years, and you never forget a good hiding.

"Even in that match, you're conscious that he's missed a couple of balls over distance, but he could spark into life. It's only while he adapts to the table and, as the other player, you've got to go: 'Right, I've got a chance here while he's not adapted to the playing conditions'. I need to strike while the iron's hot."

O'Sullivan is still capable of surprising his long-time opponent, too, with Murphy saying: "Ronnie and I really tried to outmanoeuvre each other in our match. I thought it would be a safety affair, so I was surprised how that went."

The Rocket has now lost four consecutive matches dating back to his defeat to Bingyu Chang in the Wuhan Open semi-finals. O'Sullivan's next chance to end that run will be in a UK Championship qualifier on 29 November, with Snooker 900's Crucible Cup coming up a few days earlier for him to find some form first.