Thursday 30 April 2015 00:06, UK
Shaun Murphy has joined Judd Trump in the reaching the semi-finals of the World Championship after defeating Anthony McGill 13-8 in Sheffield.
Qualifier McGill has impressed during his run at the Crucible, knocking out fellow-Scot Stephen Maguire and defending champion Mark Selby on his way to the last eight of the competition.
But despite putting up a spirited display against 2005 world champion Murphy, McGill fell short as his opponent won four frames in a row to advance to the one-table stage of the championship.
Murphy notched up three centuries in the match and pulled away from McGill at 6-6 to set up a clash with Barry Hawkins, who edged out Australia’s Neil Robertson 13-12.
Asked whether he can be champion again, Murphy said: "I'd like to think so. I've had good years here before and know what it takes to win this tournament.
"It's a massive deal to be in the semi-finals. I've not been there for six years. That's what everyone who comes wants to do, is play in the one-table set-up.
"It's been hard having to go home at this stage and watch everyone else battle on for the tournament, but I'm in it, I'm still punching and I can't wait."
In contrast, McGill was disappointed with how he performed, saying: "He was far too good. I've learned it's the best place ever to play. I love it and hope to come back again. I'm really grateful I've had the chance to come here."
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump powered through to the semi-finals for a third time after beating China's Ding Junhui 13-4.
Resuming with a 12-4 lead after dominating the first two sessions of the match, the world No 6 made a break of 66 to complete his day's work by mid-morning.
He next faces Stuart Bingham, who ended Ronnie O'Sullivan's challenge with a 13-9 victory.
Trump was runner-up at the Crucible in 2011, and also reached the last four in 2013, while his victory at the recent World Grand Prix set him up ideally for a tilt at glory on snooker's most prestigious stage.
The eight centuries in the match between Hawkins and Robertson matched a Crucible record, but it took a break of just 61 from Hawkins to settle the decider after a gripping battle.
Robertson said: "It was a match where I seemed to pull him along with the standard.
"I truly believe I've underachieved in my career and I need to put the work in to fulfil my potential.
"Barry has got a great chance now. It's going to be interesting because Ronnie's got beaten."
Hawkins, a beaten finalist two years ago and a semi-finalist in 2014, said: "I'm so delighted to get through.
"I don't know what it is about the Crucible, it just seems to bring the best out of me."
