Murphy to face Ding in semi-finals

Shaun Murphy cruised into the last four of the Malta Cup after brushing aside Stephen Hendry 5-1 yesterday to top Group C.

The 2007 champion will meet Ding Junhui in today's semi-final after the Chinese sensation crushed Mark Williams 6-0 to top Group D.

Today's opening semi-final will be contested by Ken Doherty, of Ireland, and Scotland's John Higgins who yesterday secured top spot in their respective group with comfortable victories.

Murphy needed only one point to ensure his participation in the knockout phase and he secured that by taking the opening three frames.

The 25-year-old has a liking for the Mediterranean island and is now unbeaten in nine consecutive matches in Malta. He beat Ryan Day in the final last year and his winning run shows no sign of abating.

Murphy was not content to get a point as opening exchanges proved.

"I've been drilled by Hendry before and I know he was more than capable of getting four before me, so I had to really give him a lot of respect from the start, didn't want to give each other anything and I think that showed in the way we played the first couple of frames," said Murphy.

Murphy has the chance to repeat his feat of last year and go all the way.

"I've got great memories of Malta, enjoy coming, enjoy the people, enjoy the area and I'm seem to play well here and be amongst the guys again and maybe I'll get to take the trophy home again," said Murphy.

However, he faces a tough task against Junhui who seems to be in top form after outclassing former no. 1 Williams winning all six frames in impressive fashion.

World no.1 Higgins reached his first semi-final since his great run in Sheffield last year after securing the points he needed against Joe Perry.

The Group A leader went into the match knowing that a draw would be enough to book his place in the last four but he eventually came through to win 5-1.

"It was a bit scrappy, in these group stages its a bit out of the ordinary from the normal knockout thing.

"Knowing you only need a draw its very hard because you're thinking once you go in front you're only trying to protect it all the time rather than try and get to four.

"At the start of the week I would have taken that, it's brilliant to get through. It's been a poor run of results, I'm still not on top of my game but I've still got a chance. It was a big result to beat Joe," admitted Higgins.

The Scottish player will face Doherty who booked his place in the semis after beating Neil Robertson 5-1 in the Group B decider.

The match will rekindle fond memories for Doherty, he played Higgins in the final of the 2006 Malta Cup when he triumphed 9-8.

"I'm delighted to be in the semi-final and delighted to be playing well again and feeling confident. You're not expecting any easy matches in the semi-finals, hopefully I can go out there and enjoy it," he said.

Results

Group A: Higgins vs Perry 5-1; Carter vs Day 2-4. Standings: Higgins 7; Perry 5; Day 4; Carter 3; Borg 1.

Group B: Doherty vs Robertson 5-1; Swail vs Lee 1-5. Standings: Doherty 8; Fu, Robertson 5; Lee 2; Swail 0.

Group C: Murphy vs Hendry 5-1; Maguire vs Selby 3-3. Standings: Murphy 8; Hendry 5; Maguire 4; Selby 3; Drago 0.

Group D: Dott vs Ebdon 2-4; Williams vs Junhui 0-6. Standings: Ding 7; Dale 6; Ebdon, Williams 3; Dott 1.

Today's programme

3 p.m.: Higgins vs Doherty.
8 p.m.: Murphy vs Junhui.