Shaun Murphy is determined to keep working hard to try and turn round his faltering form. The 36-year-old is currently in a slump that has seen him suffer first-round exits at six of the 11 events he has competed in this season.

The 2005 world champion did make it to the final of the Scottish Open back in December but went down to Mark Allen, and that is as good as it has got for the Englishman.

Murphy is currently taking part in the Shoot-Out and beat 44-year-old Essex man Mark King in his first-round match on Friday to set up a one-frame contest with 2015 work champion Stuart Bingham on Saturday evening.

The world number 11 admits that his current run of form is the worst of his career but knows there is little time for sympathy with so many big global tournaments throughout the year – and it is all about hard graft.

“We’ve got the Shootout this weekend and then we’re off to India on Monday for the Indian Open so there’s no real time to feel sorry for yourself with this wonderful circus of events we’re on now,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“From my own perspective, I have to believe that things will turn for me and will get better but they’ll only do that if I keep working hard at my game, it won’t just happen on its own.”

Bingham advanced to round two with an 84-0 victory over Welshman Matthew Stevens in Watford and is priced at 1.75 to take care of Murphy, who is on offer at 2.00 to make it to the next round.