John Higgins and Shaun Murphy are battling it out in their World Championship semi-final match. Both players have experienced nerves during the contest. The match is taking place at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
Murphy Takes the First Frame of the Evening
Shaun Murphy secured the first frame of the evening session. An early miss from John Higgins on a red opened the door for Shaun Murphy. He built a break of 45 with the black in play. Murphy increased his break to 54. A ring tone interrupted play. The referee gave a terse reminder to those watching inside the Crucible.
Murphy mopped up the rest of the reds before knocking in all the colours bar the black. The frame lasted 13 minutes.
Higgins Capitalises on Murphy’s Safety Shot
John Higgins capitalised on a modest safety shot from Shaun Murphy. Higgins has a break of 23 and counting. There is still plenty of work to do for the 50-year-old Scot with the reds still closely grouped. Control of the cue ball will be key to unlocking them.
Nerves on Display as Higgins Misses an Easy Ball
Shaun Murphy missed a pink into the middle. John Higgins failed to make him pay with a routine black which rattled the jaw of the corner pocket. That was the easiest ball we’ve seen missed in this match. He can’t believe it.
After a fairly open first frame, it’s a bit more tactical following John Higgins’ orthodox break. The black is out of commission behind a cluster of reds.
Hendry and Taylor Analyse the Match
Stephen Hendry believes John Higgins has more chance of winning with his B-game. He also said if Shaun Murphy plays how he did against Zhao Xintong he wins, but if he is below that he is not sure he’s going to beat John. Hendry noted that both players know their shots and are both brilliant snooker players. He added that it’s about who wants it the most and who can play that snooker under the utmost pressure.
Dennis Taylor said sometimes John Higgins seems to play his best snooker when he’s under pressure.
Joe Perry observed that both players have had opportunities to get a lead in this match. He said whoever can grasp the nettle and when they are on top, stay on top, will come through this one.
John Higgins is finding a bit of groove at the table now. He potted a red followed by the pink to leave Shaun Murphy requiring snookers with a break of 55. There’s enough on the table for a century.
Hendry said that pink in the middle was going to cost Shaun Murphy. That was a big let-off for him and that Shaun is due a big session.