Judd Trump edges out Shaun Murphy in thrilling decider to reach Tour Championship semi-finals

MANCHESTER: World number one Judd Trump battled past fellow Englishman Shaun Murphy in a dramatic final-frame decider to secure a 10-9 victory and book his place in the Tour Championship semi-finals.

Murphy began strongly, taking the first two frames with breaks of 72 and 59, but Trump responded in style with a magnificent 140 clearance to level the match at 2-2.

The encounter remained tight throughout, with neither player able to gain a clear advantage in the first session, which ended 4-4 after Trump capitalised on late errors from Murphy in a scrappy frame.

Murphy produced further brilliant contributions, including breaks of 132 and 71, but Trump, reflecting on his performance, said he played better after the interval despite moments where he feared the match was slipping away.

With the score at 8-7 in Trump’s favour, Murphy missed the black, allowing Trump to clear 90 and stay in contention.

Trump then delivered a 137 break to take the lead, although Murphy claimed the 18th frame with a 96-point run, pushing the match to a deciding frame.

Trump overcame errors in the final frame to ultimately secure the win, emphasising the importance of winning deciding frames in his career.

"In my most successful seasons I have won nearly all of my deciding frames and that can give you a lifeline in tournaments," Trump said.

"I have been consistent this season but it could have been a lot better. It's difficult when you keep going back to your hotel room after a tough loss so it's nice to get one finally."

In other quarter-final action, Chris Wakelin trails Zhao Xintong 5-3, and Neil Robertson leads Barry Hawkins 5-3, with both matches concluding on Thursday. Later, Mark Selby faces John Higgins for a semi-final spot.