Failure to reach the quarter-finals of the opening three ranking events raised eyebrows, particularly as each defeat was in a final frame decider.

However, making the final of the Welsh Open last month suggests that the local favourite from Rotherham is more than capable of coping with the added expectations that come with being a Crucible winner.

He may have come unstuck against Stephen Lee in Newport but some of his performances en route to the final were mightily impressive, none more so than his 6-1 demolition of in-form Barry Hawkins in the last four.

His last outing in China may have ended with a first-round exit to Michael Holt but that was his first tournament in the Far East and he complained of severe jetlag. It would be folly to read too much into that result.

Murphy has the type of confident aura about him that suggests that, if he gets into a position to defend his title, he will not let it go without a major fight.

Furthermore, with as kind a draw as any of the leading protagonists – he is due to play James Wattana in the first round and then the winner of Steve Davis or Andy Hicks next – it is not out of the question that he might figure in the finish again.

Nevertheless, it is doubtful that lightning will strike twice.

Prediction: Second-round exit.