Shaun Murphy summoned a superb fightback to rally from 8-5 down and beat Mark Selby 10-8 in the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters.
The Magician is through to his second final in this event. Last time out he succumbed to an 11-9 loss against Ronnie O’Sullivan in the 2019 title match. This time he will face either a repeat of that match against the Rocket or an encounter with Judd Trump.
Murphy and Selby have been battling each other on the tour right the way through from the junior ranks up to the 2021 world final, where Selby prevailed 18-15. However, Murphy has now won their last three meetings and trails the head-to-head 17-15.
It’s a disappointing end to a largely positive week for four-time Crucible king Selby, who has shown he still has plenty to offer at the highest level, despite raising the possibility of retirement at the end of last season.
They came into the final session with Selby leading 6-3. However, Murphy produced a sublime start to the evening’s proceedings, firing in a 140 break to reduce his arrears to 6-4.
He then pulled within one and looked set to draw level after constructing a hard -ought run of 57 in the 12th, but a missed red gave Selby an opportunity which he ruthlessly accepted. A break of 69 moving him 7-5 ahead.
Selby made it 8-5, before Murphy compiled a fine break of 134 to claw back within two. Further contributions of 67 and 104 helped the 41-year-old to make it four on the bounce and move him one from the win. He completed a remarkable turnaround with a break of 116 to seal victory.
"It is the old cliche, it is never over until it’s over. I’m a lot of things, but I’m not a quitter. I’ve never given up in my life and I wasn’t prepared to give up tonight. I kept pushing, had a little bit of luck at the right time, scored well and I’m over the moon. I can’t believe it"
Shaun Murphy
2005 World Champion
Murphy added: “This is what you play for. This is what we dreamed of as boys growing up, to play in big matches like this and big tournaments like this. I’ve played Judd and Ronnie in big matches before. I played Ronnie here a few years ago, so it would be great to go one better. I am looking forward to watching them slog it out until the wee small hours while I rest and look forward to what is going to be a great match.”