World number seven Shaun Murphy held his nerve in a dramatic final-frame decider to eliminate world number three Judd Trump 5 to 4 in a classic quarter-final clash at the 2026 English Open. Despite Trump producing a sensational 112 clearance under pressure to level the match, Murphy relied on disciplined safety play in the decider to book a blockbuster semi-final showdown against Mark Williams.
Key Highlights At A Glance
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Murphy Survives Decider: Shaun Murphy edged Judd Trump 5 to 4 after surviving a late surge from the world number three.
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Century Breaks On Display: Both Trump and Mark Williams notched magnificent 112 clearances in their respective matches.
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Ali Carter Comeback: Carter fought back from 5 to 3 down to stun Zhou Yuelong 6 to 5.
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Semi-Final Lineup Set: Shaun Murphy meets Mark Williams, while Ding Junhui faces Ali Carter on Saturday.
Shaun Murphy Edges Judd Trump In Deciding Frame Drama
The quarterfinal battle between two former world champions lived up to its billing from the opening frame. Murphy established early control with his trademark long potting, but Trump refused to go down quietly.
Trailing 4 to 3, Trump showed why he remains one of the most dangerous break builders in snooker history, producing a flawless 112 clearance to force a ninth and deciding frame. However, the decider turned into a tactical war of attrition. With Trump missing a testing long red, Murphy took control of the cue ball, grinding out the points through superior safety positioning before clearing the colors to wrap up the victory.
Mark Williams And Ding Junhui Cruise Through
In the afternoon session, three-time world champion Mark Williams proved far too experienced for fellow Welshman Liam Davies, wrapping up a comfortable 6 to 3 victory. Williams sealed his semi-final berth in style with a magnificent 112 clearance in the ninth frame.
China’s top star Ding Junhui also produced a masterly performance, defeating Kyren Wilson 6 to 2. Ding raced to a commanding 3 to 0 lead before Wilson mounted a brief fightback to narrow the deficit to 3 to 2. Ding quickly shut down any hope of an upset by sweeping the next three frames with clinical break-building.
Ali Carter Pulls Off Great Escape Against Zhou Yuelong
The biggest turnaround of the round belonged to Ali Carter, who staged an incredible recovery against China’s Zhou Yuelong. Zhou looked on the verge of reaching the final four when he took a 5 to 3 lead.
With Zhou missing a crucial yellow in frame nine, Carter seized the opening with both hands. The English veteran reeled off three frames in succession to register a dramatic 6 to 5 win, setting up a clash with Ding Junhui.
English Open 2026 Semi-Final Schedule And Timings
The semi-finals take place on Saturday, September 12, featuring best-of-11 frames action:
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Semi Final 1: Ding Junhui vs Ali Carter | 12:00 BST (4:30 PM IST)
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Semi Final 2: Shaun Murphy vs Mark Williams | 18:00 BST (10:30 PM IST)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Shaun Murphy vs Judd Trump quarter-final?
Shaun Murphy defeated Judd Trump 5 to 4 in a deciding frame to advance to the English Open semi-finals.
What are the semi-final fixtures for the 2026 English Open?
Ding Junhui plays Ali Carter in the first semi-final, while Shaun Murphy takes on Mark Williams in the second semi-final.
Where can fans watch the English Open semi-finals in India?
The tournament matches can be followed on digital streaming platforms and sports broadcast networks carrying World Snooker Tour events.
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