The first session of the World Snooker Championship semi-final between John Higgins and Shaun Murphy ended with the players level at 4-4.
The second semi-final between Wu Yize and Mark Allen is scheduled to get under way later. Live text updates will resume just before 19:00 BST.
Higgins and Murphy Tied After Uneven Session
The first session between Higgins and Murphy was not a classic. According to Stephen Hendry, seven-time world champion, it wasn’t a great session. Hendry noted that Higgins’ cue ball control was loose, and Murphy missed too many easy balls.
John Parrott, the 1991 world champion, agreed, stating that the session wouldn’t be remembered as one of the greatest. Joe Perry, a former World Championship semi-finalist, felt that Murphy had missed a trick during the session.
Dennis Taylor, the 1985 world champion, highlighted Higgins’ competitive spirit, noting his ability to pot balls under pressure despite earlier misses.
Session Highlights and Key Moments
Higgins secured the final frame of the session to level the score at 4-4. His break of 50 in that frame was his highest of the session.
Shaun Murphy made a century in frame four. However, he, like Higgins, missed some easy balls, according to reports.
Earlier in the session, Murphy attempted an attacking safety shot, spreading the reds. However, a poor positional shot proved costly for Shaun Murphy, leading to a missed attempt to cut the black.
Looking Ahead to the Next Session
Higgins and Murphy are scheduled to play two sessions. They will play on Friday at 10:00 BST and 19:00 BST. Their semi-final is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, with the final session from 14:30 BST.
Joe Perry believes both players will be glad to put the first session behind them and start fresh on Friday.