\n<\/p>\n
Having opened 2025 by winning the Masters, Murphy is now just two matches away from triumphing in a second Triple Crown event this year.<\/p>\n
And unlike his last-16 win over John Higgins, when he fought back to win a decider, his match against Zhang proved to be a far more comfortable affair – albeit both players were well below their best.<\/p>\n
A calamitous conclusion to the opening frame from Zhang set the tone for what was to follow.<\/p>\n
The 33-year-old from China failed to hit a routine snooker and then went in off the black to lose a frame in which had control following a break of 65.<\/p>\n
Murphy enjoyed a run of 88 in the second frame and that was as good as it got, with his only other two half centuries coming in frames five and nine on a night when both players were guilty of some dreadful misses.<\/p>\n
“I am delighted to win, but that is about it. We both played under par I think and I made a number of uncharacteristic mistakes which threw me,” admitted Murphy.<\/p>\n
“I dropped the rest and nearly clattered the balls, I miscued, I couldn’t tell you the last time I did that and there were a number of totally basic misses. <\/p>\n
“Thankfully I got the win. You always have a bad session in a tournament. I am hoping tonight is it.”<\/p>\n
Selby, who won the Champion of Champions last month, underlined why he arrived in Yorkshire as one of the favourites.<\/p>\n
Breaks of 61 and 115 gave him a 2-1 lead over Hawkins and he was then able to exhibit his renowned matchplay skills to edge three consecutive frames that were all delicately poised.<\/p>\n
While Hawkins replied with a wonderful break of 138, Selby sealed his success with a run of 83 to reach the semis for the first time since 2016 – the year of his second UK success.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n