Selby fightback continues

Selby found himself 5-1 down after a slow start to the opening session last night, but levelled the match at 5-5 when he took the opening two frames of today's afternoon session, punishing Murphy for a slow start.

2005 champion Murphy ended a four-frame losing streak to edge ahead once again, taking advantage of a timely fluke to rattle up a frame-winning 55 in the 11th.

But Selby - 2006 World 8-ball Pool champion - won the next before his seventh century of the tournament - a 128 clearance - moved him in front for the first time in the match.

And although some excellent safety from Murphy enabled him to level at 7-7, Selby's 48 in the next again edged him in front before local boy Murphy triumphed in the final frame of a rollercoaster afternoon.

Scottish pair John Higgins and Stephen Maguire enter the third session of their semi-final also level at 8-8 in their first-to-17 clash.