• The Masters

Murphy fights back to dismantle Fu

ESPN staff
January 16, 2014
Shaun Murphy complained of cold air as he trailed Marco Fu in their Masters quarter-final match © PA Photos
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Shaun Murphy came back from a considerable deficit for the second time this week as he saw off the challenge of Marco Fu to book his place in the Masters semi-final.

Murphy rattled off five consecutive frames to complete a 6-4 victory over Fu, despite having trailed 4-1 at Alexandra Palace.

Earlier this week, the former world champion came back from 4-2 down to defeat Ding Junhui in his opening match of the tournament.

A 76 break helped Fu claim the opening frame before he moved into a 3-0 lead by closing out two tight frames.

Murphy hit back to reduce the deficit, but a 71 from Fu moved the Hong Kong player within two frames of a place in the last four.

However, Murphy suddenly transformed his game and visits of 86, 81, 117 and 64 - as well as closing out a close, crucial ninth frame - helped book a semi-final spot.

"I was really annoyed at the start because there was cold air coming into the arena which affected the way the table was playing," Murphy told World Snooker's official website. "I've been working hard on my game. I know it is in good shape."

Meanwhile, Barry Hearn has confirmed the UK Championship will be staying at York's Barbican Centre despite players complaining over the venue during December's tournament.

"I'm delighted to tell you we are going back to the Barbican Centre. We love the venue, we love the people up there," Hearn told BBC Sport. "We didn't get it 100% right with logistics, we will second time. You don't change the world overnight. Sometimes it takes at least a fortnight. With the new layout, I think the players are going to like it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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