Mark Williams pulled off a superb fightback to beat Shaun Murphy and book a spot against Ali Carter in Sunday’s English Open final.
Murphy, who had claimed a final-frame victory over Judd Trump in the quarter-finals, charged into a 5-1 lead over Williams on Saturday.
But this time it was the world number seven who was denied as Welshman Williams claimed five straight frames to snatch a 6-5 win.
Murphy looked set to clinch victory in the 10th frame with a break of 51 but handed Williams a lifeline and the world number nine took full advantage.
The 51-year-old made 65 to level things up and again prevailed in the decider, with a break of 69 completing the three-time world champion’s remarkable comeback.
Williams and Carter will now battle it out for their first English Open title at the Brentwood Centre in Essex.
In the first semi-final, Carter reeled off five frames in a row to claim a 6-2 win over China’s Ding Junhui, producing a highest break of 119.
The 47-year-old from Essex started the week 25th in the world rankings and will return to the elite top 16 if he beats Williams.
“To get in the top 16 at my ripe old age of 47 wouldn’t be too bad,” said Carter.
“There is a lot to play for tomorrow, but I’m going to be in there fighting.
“I’m still competing with the best players in the world and it is a feather in my cap.”
Leave a Reply