Higgins builds slender semi-final lead over Murphy

Higgins builds slender semi-final lead over Murphy Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, John Higgins is aiming to become the oldest ever Crucible championBySteve SutcliffeBBC Sport Journalist at the Crucible Theatre, SheffieldPublished3 minutes agoCommentsJohn Higgins opened up a slender 13-11 advantage over Shaun Murphy heading into the final session of their World Championship semi-final at the Crucible Theatre.Four-time champion Higgins, who turns 51 later this month, had not led at the end of a session throughout the tournament but picked the ideal time to change that as he bids to reach a record-equalling ninth final in Sheffield. Higgins, who started the day strongly but was repeatedly pegged back by 2005 winner Murphy, ended it in the same fashion as he compiled his first century of the contest to hold sway.The concluding chapter of their best-of-33 encounter will begin on Saturday at 14:30 BST. Wu level with Allen after longest Crucible framePublished2 hours agoA golden period for snooker - but are UK clubs returning from doldrums?Published11 hours agoWorld Championship 2026: Match schedule, BBC TV times & resultsPublished24 minutes agoHaving resumed at 8-8, England's Murphy struck the first blow on Friday evening with a break of 60 to edge into the lead for the first time since the end of the seventh frame.However, in keeping with what had gone before, Higgins immediately responded with runs of 44 and 55 and then pinched the following frame after laying a snooker on the brown.A wonderful break of 82 from the Englishman ensured the players could not be separated at the mid-session interval. The duo then conjured up plenty of drama and some superb snooker as they traded the next two frames. Higgins constructed a 63 and Murphy then knocked in a superb century from the Scot's break-off shot.At that stage 12-12 looked the likely outcome to a session in which both players delivered performances brimming with resolve.However, Higgins found an ext...