New Malden’s Marco Fu is hoping to banish the memories of past Crucible failures after posting an impressive display to down Martin Gould in their World Snooker Championship first round clash.

World number seven Fu, who hails from Hong Kong, wasted no time in making his mark in this year’s event after rattling in breaks of 124 and 83 to snatch the first two frames on his way to a 10-7 victory.

In 15 years of competing at the Crucible, Fu has been knocked out at the first hurdle nine times – and he insists he’s finally turned a corner.

“It’s been either really good or terrible in the past for me,” he said.

“Sometimes I play my best snooker, I got to the semis and nearly to the final one year but other than that it’s been below average overall.

“I’ve lost so many first rounds that I’ve lost count and I think in the past few years – the last 15 – I’ve been able to feel more comfortable at the Crucible. But still it’s a very tough place to come.

“I was just happy I was able to produce some good snooker under pressure in the end, and it was a great feeling – especially to do it at the Crucible.”

Up next on Sunday is a tricky test against World number five Murphy, who has sunk two 147 breaks and picked up the World Open title in the calendar year.

One of Fu’s chastening first-round defeats was against Murphy and he concedes he needs to be at his very best.

“The draw is very tough, I’ll take it one match at a time,” added Fu.

“I lost to Shaun 13-3 with a session to spare just a few years ago so hopefully it won’t happen this time.”

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