Mark Allen and Shaun Murphy. (Image: Getty)
We’ve reached the final four stage of the Masters and there is a grudge match to start off with Mark Allen taking on Shaun Murphy. Both players are chasing the title for the second time, but there is added spice to the occasion with the two former friends now seemingly at odds with each other.
In the second semi-final, Judd Trump will take on world champion Kyren Wilson. It’s been 14 years since Trump won the Triple Crown event, but regardless of results from here, he’s already guaranteed himself the most lucrative snooker season in history.
Both matches are the best of 11 frames (first to six), with a scheduled mid-session interval after the fourth frame. The two winners will then meet on Sunday for a chance to win the silverware and the £350,000 prize fund.
For all the latest scores, news and updates follow below…
Shaun Murphy reflects on becoming a ‘Masters Maximum Man’
Shaun Murphy told Sport after hitting his 147 break: “I can’t believe it, I’m as surprised as you are. It was one of the best moments of my career, I’d wanted to make a 147 in one of these bbc events since I was a kid”
Allen 3-6 Murphy
And there it is, Murphy is through to the final! He’s now chasing his second Masters title.
Allen 3-5 Murphy
That’s more like it from Murphy.
Allen 3-4 Murphy
A solid response from Allen who kept his cool to edge a tense seventh frame.
Allen 2-4 Murphy 147 BREAK!
He’s really turning on the style now. Shaun Murphy hits a 147 break to put this semi-final in his grasp.
Allen 2-3 Murphy
Wow, what a turnaround from ‘The Magician’, who now leads 3-2 having trailed 2-0.
Allen 2-2 Murphy
All square in Ally Pally! Game on.
Allen 2-1 Murphy
We’ve got a game here at Ally Pally, Murphy makes it 2-1.
Allen 2-0 Murphy
A 2-0 lead for Mark Allen as he extends his lead.
Allen 1-0 Murphy
After Murphy misses an early chance, a break of 44 sets Mark Allen up, before the frame stagnates over a prolonged period of safety.
But the Northern irishman gets a second chance, and another break of 26 seals the first frame.
Here come the players!
Welcome to our live updates from the first semi-final at the Masters!
It’s Shaun Murphy out first, closely followed by Mark Allen. A big reception for both players.