Murphy, whose sole triumph in the tournament came a decade ago when he defeated Robertson in the final, set the tone for a high-quality contest with break of 90 in the opening frame.
When the Australian replied with break of 79 in the next, it briefly appeared as though a classic nip-and-tuck contest was in store.
However, that did not materialise with Murphy pinching the pivotal fifth frame by a point on the black and barely missing a pot once among the balls.
When he did, a black off it’s spot in the sixth frame, he was heavily punished as his opponent constructed a 108 break to get back within two frames.
Robertson, was unable though to mount the sort of recovery that enabled him to come from 5-1 down against John Higgins in the first round and was seen willing Murphy on at the end as he went agonisingly close to a ninth 147 in his career.
“I could not believe it. It was a real shame for everyone watching. I was gutted for Shaun,” added Robertson.
“I played great and when two players are playing really well it is the smallest or margins that can be the difference. You have to take your hat off to Shaun for how well he played.”
