Shaun Murphy secured his place in the semi-finals of the English Open with a tense final-frame victory over Judd Trump. The world number seven had previously led 5-4 before Trump, ranked third globally, responded with a break of 112 to force a decider.
Murphy ultimately held his nerve, utilizing precise safety play to overcome his compatriot and set up a quarter-final clash against Mark Williams. Williams advanced to the last four after withstanding a challenge from fellow Welshman Liam Davies, winning 6-3. After trailing 2-2 at the interval, Williams pulled away to seal the win with a century break of 112.
In the other matches, Ding Junhui dispatched England’s Kyren Wilson 6-2 to reach the semi-finals. Wilson, who failed to score in the opening three frames, briefly mounted a comeback to make it 3-2 but ultimately succumbed as Ding won the final three frames.
Ding will now face Ali Carter, who produced a resilient performance to defeat Zhou Yuelong 6-5. Despite Zhou holding a 5-3 lead, Carter rallied from the ninth frame onward, capitalizing on a missed routine yellow before closing out the match with a dominant final frame.
Both semi-final matches are scheduled for Saturday. Ding Junhui takes on Ali Carter at 12:00 BST, followed by Shaun Murphy facing Mark Williams at 18:00 BST.
Ding whitewashed Wilson in the final three frames. Is he actually the favorite now, or just having a tournament?
Did anyone else notice Carter’s composure down the stretch? That late rally against Zhou was clinical, not lucky.
Mark Williams still going strong at his age is incredible. This semi should be absolutely legendary Saturday night.
What a thriller! Murphy holding his nerve in the decider against Trump is pure class. Can’t wait for the semi-final.