Shaun Murphy thrilled after semi-final win over John Higgins: 2012 Masters
A superb performance from the former World Snooker Champion, England’s Shaun Murphy has booked a final match berth for him at the 2012 Masters Snooker tournament. The Magician ousted one of the most brutal opponents of the event, reigning World Snooker Champion, John Higgins by the score line of 6-4. The Englishman stunned the Scotsman from the start of the semi-final match and clinched the contest.
The 29-year-old Murphy showed his class from the beginning with his break building skills and grabbed the first three frames to take a 3-0 lead. Higgins tried to capitalise with back-to-back frame wins before Murphy smashed back. Higgins, with two more frames, took the scores to 5-4 but it was not enough to hold the Englishman back as he stormed into the ninth frame win to finish the match 6-4.
With this victory, the Magician has successfully made his way into the final of 2012 Masters Snooker event. Beating Higgins was not an easy task for the English potter but still he succeeded in unsettling the four-time World Snooker Champion. The Harlow cueman was excited after edging past the Scottish cueist and believes his game has improved.
Speaking to World Snooker at the conclusion of his match, Murphy said, “I thought I played very well tonight, I scored very well. Obviously I came second in the tactical department as you always do against John, but I was pleased when I did get my chances I scored heavily. John's absolute granite, hard as nails. He never gives up and that's why he's the champion.”
The Whiston Warrior added, “It's not going any easier for me this event! First I beat the local lad then the World No 1 followed by the World Champion and now I've got a lad who is playing the best snooker of the season. He's never lost a major ranking final, although this is an invitational event, but let's hope that changes tomorrow.”
The World Number Six will be facing Australia’s Neil Robertson in the final encounter of 2012 Masters Snooker event at Alexandra palace. Both potters have previously played against each other and the contest will be worth watching as the cueists will be looking to lift the prestigious title.
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