Shaun Murphy
Shaun Murphy

Ladbrokes Players Championship: Shaun Murphy to take on Ronnie O'Sullivan in final


Shaun Murphy secured his place in the final of the Ladbrokes Players Championship against Ronnie O'Sullivan with a 6-3 win over Welshman Mark Williams in Llandudno.

Murphy, the world number seven, opened up with a break of 133 and a further clearance of 117 saw him move 3-0 ahead.

Williams reduced the deficit ahead of the interval when he edged a close fourth frame 67-60.

There was, though, to be no late night comeback from the two-time former world champion.

Another positive run of 88 from Murphy saw him regain control at 4-1, and although Williams took the sixth frame, the Magician claimed the seventh 87-0.

Williams, who has claimed the Northern Ireland Open and German Masters ranking titles this season, chalked off a century clearance of 127 to make it 5-3.

Murphy, however, was not to be denied as the 2005 world champion, who has been suffering from back and neck problems in recent weeks, clinched the ninth frame.

Sunday will be the third meeting between Murphy and O'Sullivan in a major final this season, each having secured one victory.

Sky Bet make Murphy the outsider at 2/1 to win the final.

O'Sullivan is the odds-on favourite for glory at 4/11.

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