Ronnie O'Sullivan begins the defence of his Premier League title with a showdown against rival Shaun Murphy in Guildford on Thursday.

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The pair have history off the baize, which adds to the importance of the occasion; Murphy famously hit out the Rocket during the last campaign, stating that he acted "unprofessionally" and "was damaging to the ethos of the sport".

O'Sullivan responded in typical fashion on the baize, thrashing him 7-1 in the final of the Premier League as well as knocking him out of the World Championship.

The match could prove an altogether different encounter tomorrow under the new quick-fire format, something which suits the Rocket's attacking style.

Murphy however has taken to the unique format in previous years and will pose a dangerous threat to his foe; he is 6/4 underdog with Boylesports, with O'Sullivan priced 4/7 with Victor Chandler. 

The match begins at 9.00pm from the Guildford Spectrum and will be played over the best of five frames under the 20 second shot clock rule.

The winner will take on either Mark Williams or Jimmy White in the week two final at 10.15pm.