John Higgins is bidding to move a step closer to a fifth world title as he takes a 13-11 lead over Shaun Murphy into the final session of their enthralling World Snooker Championship semi-final at the Crucible Theatre. The 50-year-old Scot, seeking to become the oldest world champion in history, impressed in Friday's sessions, edging ahead of his English opponent with a superb break of 101 in the final frame of the day. Higgins needs four more frames for victory, while Murphy requires six.
Historic Frame in Other Semi-Final
Meanwhile, history was made in the other semi-final on Friday afternoon as Mark Allen and Wu Yize contested the longest frame in Crucible history. The epic encounter lasted over 100 minutes, featuring bizarre scenes when eight reds and the black became stuck over the right corner pocket, leading to a stalemate of around 55 minutes before Wu eventually prevailed. Their third session on Saturday morning was more fluent, with Wu making breaks of 142, 140, and 121, but Allen managed to stay level at 11-11. They will play to a finish in the race to 17 frames from 7pm this evening.
Higgins Builds Lead
There has been little to separate Higgins and Murphy, but the 50-year-old Scot edged ahead on Friday evening with breaks of 70 and 101, turning an 11-11 tie into a 13-11 advantage. Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry praised Higgins on BBC coverage, saying, "He always finds another gear, it's what he's always done." The question now is whether Higgins can secure the four frames he needs to win.
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's coverage of the World Snooker Championship semi-finals. We are in for a fascinating afternoon of action as John Higgins leads Shaun Murphy 13-11 in the race to 17 frames, with the winner securing a place in the final. This has been a superb match so far. How will it play out this afternoon?
