• World Championship

Murphy survives scare in final-frame thriller

ESPN staff
April 20, 2014
Shaun Murphy sealed a narrow victory © PA Photos
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Shaun Murphy avoided a shock exit at the World Championship after edging out Jamie Cope 10-9 at the Crucible.

Cope, who came through three qualifying matches to reach the event, led 5-4 from the first session.

Cope had an opportunity to pull two frames clear. He broke down on a break of 64 as he may have been thinking about making a 147 maximum break, allowing 2005 world champion Murphy to clear with a 75 and level at 5-5.

Cope opened up a two-frame advantage at 7-5, but Murphy once again drew level at 7-7, before coming from 8-7 down to take a 9-7 lead.

Murphy missed a tricky last red to clear for 10-8 and Cope forced a deciding frame.

Murphy had the opening opportunity in the final frame to move onto 35 points, but after he conceded a foul when the cueball went in the pocket, Cope went into a 49-35 with two reds remaining. Murphy, though, secured victory by potting the final red with the rest.

Ryan Day held his nerve to knock out Stephen Maguire 10-9.

Day held 8-4 and 9-6 advantages but saw Maguire fight back to force a deciding frame. However, Day ensured he would regret losing his leads as a break of 92 helped him cross the finishing line.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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