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Shaun Murphy has thrown his support behind Zhao Xintong after defeating the Chinese potter in the first round of the UK Championship.

Zhao’s 20-month ban ended in September following a match fixing investigation, though he never fixed a match, with Murphy one of those in his corner.

“Xintong was always a slightly different case to the others,” said Murphy. “He was not a cheat, he did break the rules but admitted that and served his punishment.

“He should be allowed to move on and come back to the sport when he qualifies. The game is better for having Xintong in it.”