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Selby cruises into final four of World Open

Mark Selby is aiming to go one better than last year in the World Open after reaching the final four © Getty Images

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Mark Selby cruised to a 5-1 victory against Alan McManus to book his place in the final four of the World Open and a semi-final clash with Marco Fu.

Selby made breaks of 85 and 63 to book a spot in the final four, while Fu overcame Mark Joyce with a 5-3 triumph in their last eight tie.

"I won 5-1 but it could have been a lot closer," Selby told worldsnooker.com. "Alan's been in a bit of form this season and I'm chuffed for him because he's a great guy.

"I got to the semis here a few years ago and lost 6-5 to Mark Allen so hopefully I can go further this time. I've still got a bit of a cold but I feel better than yesterday."

Fu enjoyed a century break of 104 during his win, while Joyce also made three figures when posting a score of 108. Despite moving back within one frame, Joyce could not force a ninth and Fu finished 57 to edge through.

"It was a tough match," Fu said. "I've played Mark several times and today was his best performance. I was in trouble many times and he seemed to be taking every chance. I was playing consistently, similar to previous matches, but I definitely had to bring my best to beat him, because there weren't many chances.

"It's going to be very tough against Mark Selby. He's an experienced player, and without winning a ranking title yet this season he must be determined and well prepared. I will enjoy the semi but it will be tough anyway."

Shaun Murphy came back from 4-2 down to beat Graeme Dott 5-4 and set up a tie with Mark Allen, who edged John Higgins 5-3.

Murphy made superb breaks of 70 and 126 to move into a three-frame lead but Dott hit back with runs of, 64, 74 and 69 to draw level before edging a tight seventh frame to take the lead for the first time. However, Murphy rallied with a 58 to level and clinched victory in the decider.

Meanwhile, Higgins could not replicate Thursday's epic comeback against Judd Trump as he fell to defending champion Mark Allen.

Allen made 119 and Higgins posted a 71 as both were tied after four, before another century break of 111 and a 62 helped Allen into a two-frame lead. Higgins pulled one back but an 80 in the final eighth frame gave Allen victory and moved him a step closer to defending his crown.

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