Masters snooker LIVE: Ronnie O’Sullivan beats Shaun Murphy to reach final
Ronnie O’Sullivan is now just one win away from a record-extending eighth Masters title after beating Shaun Murphy 6-2
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s pursuit of an eighth Masters crown rolls on after he demolished Shaun Murphy 6-2 to reach the final.
O’Sullivan hit the headlines after describing the Alexandra Palace venue as “disgusting” after his quarter-final win over Barry Hawkins but that didn’t stop him producing a supreme show of snooker might to down Murphy and reach a remarkable 14th Masters final.
The 48-year-old can become the oldest player in history to win the Masters by triumphing in Sunday showpiece and that would add to his exisitng record of being the youngest-ever winner of the tournament. His victory at the UK Championship in December ensured he is now the oldest and youngest man to win that event.
O’Sullivan will play either Ali Carter or Mark Allen, who meet later on Saturday, in Sunday’s final.
Relive the semi-final below:
Ronnie O’Sullivan 4-2 Shaun Murphy
O’Sullivan wins the safety exchange and gets in with a red to middle but misses the subsequent yellow. But Murphy responds in kind. Pots a good red with the rest but misses the blue up into the green pocket.
It’s left O’Sullivan among the balls and he can build a lead.
Ronnie O’Sullivan 4-2 Shaun Murphy
A few pics from the afternoon so far. Ronnie O’Sullivan is just two frames away from victory now.
Ronnie O’Sullivan 4-2 Shaun Murphy
Sublime from O’Sullivan. He misses out on a century as he’s forced into a double when he reaches 90 and misses. But no damage done - in the blink of an eye he extends his lead.
O’SULLIVAN WINS FRAME SIX TO GO 4-2 AHEAD.
Ronnie O’Sullivan 3-2 Shaun Murphy
O’Sullivan doesn’t hang around when he’s in stroke. In barely four minutes, the break is up to 67 and he faces a long red up into the green pocket to leave Murphy needing snookers. Lines it up and slides it perfectly into the centre of the pocket. Great pot.
This has been a ruthless break and O’Sullivan will go 4-2 up.
Ronnie O’Sullivan 3-2 Shaun Murphy
Frame six underway and O’Sullivan pots a red to get in. When he reaches 12, he goes into the pack off the black. It’s ok but doesn’t work out perfectly.
A tricky red across the table, into the right middle and he nails it! Rolls it right into the heart of the pocket. Superb from The Rocket and he’s in control here, looking in full flow.
FRAME! Ronnie O’Sullivan 3-2 Shaun Murphy
The break ends soon after as he misses a pot but it matters not. Another frame on the board and another century for good measure.
MURPHY NARROWS THE DEFICIT TO 3-2!
Ronnie O’Sullivan 3-1 Shaun Murphy
And fancy another century he does! The penultimate red, followed by the black brings up another ton for The Magician! His second of the match.
A break of 135 is possible here.
Ronnie O’Sullivan 3-1 Shaun Murphy
All about Murphy keeping his concentration now as the balls are there for the taking. He looks calm and composed and has the cueball on a string.
Pots a black off the spot to move to 71 with only 67 points remaining, leaving O’Sullivan needing snookers. Fancy another century, Shaun?
Ronnie O’Sullivan 3-1 Shaun Murphy
Here was that Murphy century from the one frame he has won so far. Can he make another here. He’s up beyond 50 now and nicely splits the reds. The frame is at his mercy, you feel.
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