Inspired Shaun Murphy ends Mark Selby's British Open title defence in style to set up final with Anthony McGill
Updated 27/09/2025 at 22:24 GMT+1
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Four-time British Open champion John Higgins saw his quest to become the oldest ranking event winner of all time ended by fellow Scot Anthony McGill in a surprise 6-3 defeat in the opening semi-final in Cheltenham. Shaun Murphy later dismantled defending champion Mark Selby 6-1 in the second semi-final on Saturday evening in the chase for the £100,000 first prize on Sunday night.
Murphy claims fourth century to complete comeback win over Selby
Video credit: TNT Sports
Shaun Murphy continued to find peak form at the British Open as he dismantled defending champion Mark Selby 6-1 to book his spot in Sunday's final in Cheltenham.
His opponent will be Anthony McGill, who earlier upset the odds by winning four straight frames from 3-2 behind to complete a 6-3 win over fellow Scot John Higgins in the first semi-final.
"Anthony has got every shot in the book, a class act and a class player," said Murphy. "Take nothing for granted."
Masters champion Murphy - who defeated Neil Robertson (4-1) and world No. 1 Judd Trump (4-3) earlier in the week - raced 3-0 clear by winning two tight opening frames before a break of 116 left him halfway to the winning post.
Selby responded with a 123 of his own, but it was to be the highlight of his evening as Murphy hit back from 54-0 behind to snatch the fifth frame in moving 4-1 clear.
Another frame was secured by Murphy for a 5-1 advantage after Selby had somehow clawed back three snookers on the colours before a closing knock of 93 secured the 2005 Crucible winner's final spot.
World No. 57 McGill produced breaks of 50, 57, 104 and 93 to reach the fourth ranking final of his career after Higgins had rolled in 111 to lead a tense match 3-2.
Higgins rolled in 58 and 62 to lead 2-1 with his compatriot responding with 99 to restore parity at 2-2.
McGill, who has slumped from a career high of world No. 12 in 2022, will next face Murphy with a £100,000 first prize on the table.
"Tomorrow is a shot to nothing," said McGill, who also told ITV he feels better in himself having lost weight since the World Championship in April.
"This is my biggest ever achievement. I don't consider the Shoot Out or Indian Open final a ranking event, so this is basically my first one.
"Shaun Murphy looks amazing this week, so I will probably watch him tonight."
Higgins praised McGill as a deserved winner, but said: "The big turning point was missing a red with the rest to lead 3-1.
"It was unforgivable, but I wasn't happy that I butchered the red in the last frame.
"It was a horrible shot to leave the tournament on."
Saturday's British Open semi-final order of play
13:00 UK time
John Higgins 3-6 Anthony McGill
John Higgins 3-6 Anthony McGill
19:00
Shaun Murphy 6-1 Mark Selby
Shaun Murphy 6-1 Mark Selby
Result: Murphy 6-1 Selby
Murphy 5-1 Selby (93-1)
A closing break of 93 from Murphy and he coasts into the British Open final to take Anthony McGill in Cheltenham.
Murphy 5-1 Selby (69-1)
In goes red and black as the insurance policy. Murphy heading through to take on McGill on Sunday.
Murphy 5-1 Selby (57-1)
Murphy on the brink of victory as he pumps a red into the yellow bag down the table. Almost a done deal now.
Murphy 5-1 Selby (34-1)
Shaun pacing the table with real intensity. Striking the ball with authority in this latest contribution. Just has to be mindful of the white here, and the job will be done with real aplomb this evening.
Murphy 5-1 Selby (18-1)
Shaun nudging in a red along the top cush. Was far from easy cueing, but just drops and suddenly can smell the chance of a final spot tomorrow.
Murphy 5-1 Selby (9-1)
On we go then for the seventh frame of a possible 11. Selby needs all five tonight. Both men missing long reds that you expect them to get. Before Mark picks out one, but no colour to follow.
Murphy 4-1 Selby (85-65)
Murphy has been put through the mill here, but looks like it might be 5-1. Unless there is a massive twist. And there isn't. In goes the pink from Shaun and he finally takes the frame. One frame short of victory.
Murphy 4-1 Selby (79-65)
What is the option going to be here for Selby? And he downs blue. So all on this final pink and black for the snooker. And Selby rolls white in tight behind pink. Remarkable stuff from Selby here. Murphy equal to the task off three cushions. Brilliant escape.
Murphy 4-1 Selby (79-60)
Murphy moving 23 ahead with 22 left up, but brown isn't there. So Selby will come back to the table.
Murphy 4-1 Selby (74-56)
Another snooker is laid by Selby and he has missed the yellow twice. Astonishing turnaround in this frame. Selby was 60 behind at one point. Now chance is there for Selby after Murphy hits yellow at third time of asking. But Selby misses the yellow and sticks it up. Murphy requiring yellow and green.
Murphy 4-1 Selby (74-48)
And there we have it. Selby has trapped Murphy again and forces the error for a third time. So it can go wrong and it has for Murphy. Back to 26 points with 27 points left up.
Murphy 4-1 Selby (74-44)
Relentless from Selby as he tucks Murphy in behind green again as the frame heads for the colours. But an excellent hit by Shaun to escape from the snooker and hit yellow off baulk cush.
Murphy 4-1 Selby (74-44)
Well, would you believe this. Another snooker is pulled off by Selby and suddenly Murphy is sweating out there. Such an expert in laying snookers. Murphy in another one behind green. But a brilliant swerve shot does just enough to clip the red coming off a side cush. Supreme escape.
Murphy 4-1 Selby (74-33)
Back to 45 points adrift with a solitary red left on the baize. Difficult to see where it goes wrong for Shaun from here as he escapes from a snooker. But he gets one snooker back behind blue, Murphy missing off two cushions.
Murphy 4-1 Selby (74-14)
Almost on the cusp of frame. Lead heads for 60 points with three reds left above board. Big ask. Even for Selby.
Murphy 4-1 Selby (58-14)
Selby's long game collapsing at the wrong time out there. Murphy with chance to move four frames clear. And as red along top cush is drained, that is on the cards.
Murphy 4-1 Selby (39-14)
But no killer blow in the frame as white goes in off. Selby again missing a longish red from the D. But Shaun sees a tough cut on a red fail to drop. Big moments in this semi-final.
Murphy 4-1 Selby (7-4)
A mindful start to the sixth frame with neither player wanting to give up an easy opening. Selby has a go at a long red, but nowhere near the potting angle. Chance for Murphy to get hand on table. Strokes in red, and this could be more pain for Mark.
Murphy 4-1 Selby (0-4)
Murphy 3-1 Selby (67-54)
Selby breaks down on 54, and Murphy hits back with a closing 46 to see out the fifth frame for a 4-1 lead as blue and pink are downed. Two frames short of the final now. A big ask for Selby from here.
Murphy 3-1 Selby (47-54)
Down to the final red and goes for the double. Doesn't drop, but gets second prize with nothing easy left. Selby tries to nudge red towards baulk, but ends up sticking it up. What a blunder. Another chance for Murphy here.
Murphy 3-1 Selby (10-54)
Back to 44 points behind with five reds left on deck. Would be a massive steal if he could take out this frame.
Murphy 3-1 Selby (5-54)
Well then. 54 from Mark before a red to right centre comes back out. Nothing easy for Murphy as he comes to the table, but in goes a long red to yellow pocket. Chance to launch the counter.
Murphy 3-1 Selby (0-30)
Races to 30 at the business end, and this already looks highly promising for the Leicester man to close to a frame behind. Clearly in stroke out there.
Murphy 3-1 Selby (0-14)
Stunning long red from Mark at outset of the fifth frame. Didn't touch the sides. Selby looking to emulate the century in the previous frame.
Murphy 3-1 Selby (0-0)
Murphy gets the ball rolling then for the fifth frame of this contest. Both men trading tons before the interval. Where do they go from here?
Murphy 3-0 Selby (0-123)
123 of the very best from Selby, who is back to 3-1 behind as they head for a mid-session cuppa.
Murphy 3-0 Selby (0-109)
Selby joining the party in this semi-final. Match coming nicely to the boil in Cheltenham.
Murphy 3-0 Selby (0-70)
This has been a champion response by Selby, as you would expect. Murphy so close to a long red, but didn't drop and it costs him the fourth frame. Another ton could be the message from the Leicester man.
Murphy 3-0 Selby (0-47)
Excellent pot on a red from Selby using the red on that occasion. Could be a one-visit hit here from the four-time world champion.
Murphy 3-0 Selby (0-30)
Excellent shot by Selby to drive white into the pack off the blue. Looking to build a lead after Murphy was so close to dropping in a long red for another starter.
Murphy 3-0 Selby (0-0)
Selby off his chair to break off for frame four. Won't hit the panic button just yet, but Murphy is starting to feel the flow out there.
Murphy 2-0 Selby (116-2)
A total clearance of 116 from Murphy for a 3-0 lead in the race to six. Huge frame coming up you suspect for Selby's future health in the tournament.
Murphy 2-0 Selby (85-2)
Stunning cut on a red to yellow pocket. Golden chance of a century now..
Murphy 2-0 Selby (57-2)
Could be a century incoming from Shaun here to move 3-0 clear. A bit different from their previous meeting. Which was a 6-0 whitewash to Selby in the last 16 of the Shanghai Masters.
Murphy 2-0 Selby (33-2)
Murphy really is warming to the occasion here. Finding the middle of the pocket with some of these pots. Confidence clearly rising.
Murphy 2-0 Selby (8-2)
Fine long red by Mark, but he misses black off spot trying to open up the pack of reds. Fortunately not on a red. But Murphy rolls a red down the table to the yellow pocket. On his way again here in the third frame.
Murphy 1-0 Selby (73-50)
And the second frame provides more misery for Selby as Shaun drains green from distance, holds for the brown and pops in brown, blue and pink to lead 2-0 ahead. Two tight frames are pinched by the 2005 world champion.
Murphy 1-0 Selby (55-50)
Yellow is downed from distance and white ends up going on the yellow spot, but not on green. So safety is order of the day.
Murphy 1-0 Selby (50-50)
And suddenly the scores are level in this second frame with one red left on table. Just the roll up behind the brown to finish the Murphy visit. Frame right back in the mixer. Fine escape from Selby to scrape the red coming off two cushions. But in goes the double on red from Murphy.
Murphy 1-0 Selby (9-50)
The lead quickly builds to the half-century for Selby, but only 38 and he opts to play safe by knocking a red onto a side rail. Content to play the long game. But Murphy puts away a red to left middle followed by a lovely cutback black. Brilliant from Shaun.
Murphy 1-0 Selby (0-18)
Well, that could be a huge error by Murphy as he knocks white into green bag trying to engineer a safety shot back to baulk. And those reds are there for the taking now.
Murphy 1-0 Selby (0-8)
Only eight off the first Selby visit, but reds are nicely split open for whoever gets the next chance.
Murphy 0-0 Selby (79-47)
Brilliant safety shot by Murphy. Sets the trap for Selby in the snooker. Mark leaves the brown, and Shaun takes out brown, blue and pink to finally claim the first frame. An early blow from 'The Magician'.
Murphy 0-0 Selby (61-47)
In goes the yellow, but he doesn't get right angle to move the green. Down to a safety exchange on the green. Mistake by Murphy on green, but Selby not going for the cut on green. Remaining patient.
Murphy 0-0 Selby (61-40)
Down to the final red. Green may yet be the saviour for Murphy. Or so he hopes.
Murphy 0-0 Selby (61-15)
Well, there is a rarity as Murphy misses a sitter red with the rest. Don't usually see many of those missed with the implement. Selby lays a fine snooker and forces the error from his opponent, who can launch the counter punch too.
Murphy 0-0 Selby (56-0)
A decent lead, but not decisive as white rattles in green jaws to halt the break from slotting red to right centre. Safety the option for Shaun.
Murphy 0-0 Selby (39-0)
Murphy one of these players who looks at one with the table when he gets going. Lifts a red off side rail and is plum on black too. Could win frame at this visit. Hitting the ball with real authority.
Murphy 0-0 Selby (18-0)
Another early blunder by Mark in going in off and an opening red is easy for Murphy to gain access to the table with a second scoring chance.
Murphy 0-0 Selby (0-0)
Murphy gets the ball rolling with the break-off shot for the first frame of a possible 11. Selby a bit too thin of a red at the business end and sticks up Murphy for an opening chance of the evening in Cheltenham.
Almost ready for the second semi-final
Former world champions Mark Selby and Shaun Murphy set to do battle for a meeting with Anthony McGill in Sunday's best-of-19 frame final in Cheltenham.
- - -
Anthony McGill upset the odds by winning four straight frames from 3-2 behind to complete a 6-3 win over fellow Scot John Higgins in the first British Open semi-final in Cheltenham.
World No. 57 McGill produced breaks of 50, 57, 104 and 93 to reach the fourth ranking final of his career after Higgins had rolled in 111 to lead a tense match 3-2.
Higgins produced 58 and 62 to lead 2-1 with his compatriot responding with 99 to restore parity at 2-2.
McGill, who has slumped from a career high of world No. 12 in 2022, will next face Mark Selby or Shaun Murphy in Sunday's final with a £100,000 first prize on the table.
"Tomorrow is a shot to nothing," said McGill, who also told ITV he feels better in himself having lost weight since the World Championship in April.
"This is my biggest ever achievement. I don't consider the Shoot Out or Indian Open final a ranking event, so this is basically my first one.
"Shaun Murphy looks amazing this week, so I will probably watch him tonight."
Higgins praised McGill as a deserved winner, but said: "The big turning point was missing a red with the rest to lead 3-1.
"It was unforgivable, but I wasn't happy that I butchered the red in the last frame.
"It was a horrible shot to leave the tournament on."
Result: Higgins 3-6 McGill
Higgins 3-5 McGill (42-93)
A total clearance of 93 from McGill, who secures his spot in the British Open final with a 6-3 win. He made the fewer errors in the end and kept his composure to see out the key moments.
Higgins 3-5 McGill (42-66)
Black to yellow is well controlled and this should be the victory lap on colours for McGill.
Higgins 3-5 McGill (42-50)
Into the lead then in the frame as break hits 51. Almost home and hosed.
Higgins 3-5 McGill (42-20)
Into the little cluster of reds off blue is very nice indeed. Higgins has handed these chances to McGill, but they still required potting. Which he looks like doing here.
Higgins 3-5 McGill (42-15)
Error by Ant presents John with a big chance. Higgins this time refusing to go into the pack from the blue after the previous frame's misfortune. But he misses a tough red to left centre on 42. What a chance then for McGill to seal this frame and match. All there for him. Nothing safe on this table.
Higgins 3-5 McGill (1-0)
Off we go then for frame nine with Higgins looking for a three-frame burst to remain in contention. Nice long red from John, but doesn't get a favourable nudge off another red. That is unfortunate. Safety is the next shot.
Higgins 3-4 McGill (13-109)
Higgins led 3-2, but has gone off the boil at the wrong time and McGill has found some fine form of his own. Little between this duo, but it has been all about moments. And a smattering of luck at the right time. 104 from McGill to lead 5-3.
Higgins 3-4 McGill (13-73)
Moving two clear then with a possible three frames remaining. In goes the pink he requires to see out the frame.
Higgins 3-4 McGill (13-53)
McGill on brink of a 5-3 lead here after that Higgins stroke of bad fortune. Not much he could do about that, but McGill has been presented with the chance on a plate.
Higgins 3-4 McGill (13-21)
Higgins so unfortunate as he goes into reds off blue, but somehow produces a plant on reds. That could be a huge turning point in this match. Reds all open now for McGill. Bad luck for Higgins, it must be said.
Higgins 3-4 McGill (4-0)
This match not slipping quietly into the night. Or even the afternoon. McGill breaks off then for frame eight of a possible 11. He has stuck up a red to a right centre off the break. Which isn't what you need.
Higgins 3-3 McGill (8-69)
Higgins brings blue off cushion and an error by McGill hands Higgins the chance to launch the counter. On a red to right middle with one red left on a side rail. But Higgins misses the said red to right centre. No counter clearance, and that will cost him the frame. A 4-3 lead for McGill is incoming.
Higgins 3-3 McGill (0-62)
And four more points towards the McGill total as Higgins fails to escape from a gas cooker. Inching towards the winning post. Just needs one more red to seal the deal. A strong favourite the way the balls are situated.
Higgins 3-3 McGill (0-58)
But just when it look safe to go back in the water, McGill is out of position on 57. Looks like end of break, but still five reds left up. 67 still available. A blue nudged to the side rail by Ant. Higgins 6-3 clear on the career head-to-heads.
Higgins 3-3 McGill (0-49)
Just has to be mindful of his white ball here as break reaches 49. McGill right in stroke. Warming to the occasion.
Higgins 3-3 McGill (0-34)
A few superb shots by McGill early in the seventh frame, prompted by a thumping long-range red. Reds are right in play too. Chance to regain the lead in this match for the first time since 1-0. Coming to life at the right time, you might suggest.
Higgins 3-3 McGill (0-1)
Higgins breaks off for frame number seven and sees a red come back up the table towards baulk. In goes red to right centre, but no colour to follow.
Higgins 3-2 McGill (7-68)
Higgins had his chance in this frame, didn't take it and it will cost him the frame. 50 from McGill and we are back at 3-3.
Higgins 3-2 McGill (7-45)
Both players have had chances in this semi-final, but could be going 3-3 if Ant can cash in his chips. In goes a red and across for the black too. Looks for all the world like we are heading level again.
Higgins 3-2 McGill (7-26)
Higgins not getting ideal split on reds off blue. Tough red on cards, but he nudges it in. Can't hole the black seconds later. Tough cueing. So McGill not punished as he returns to the table.
Higgins 3-2 McGill (0-18)
This is a very decent chance to build a lead in this sixth frame, but he loses the white on 18 and the thin green to yellow pocket is nowhere near it. Bad miss really. Will he be punished?
Higgins 3-2 McGill (0-3)
Higgins has a dart at a long red with safety in mind. Doesn't slot red, but safety is decent. Higgins screwing white back to top cushion seconds later, but a blunder trying to attempt a safety gives McGill chance to score. In goes red to right centre to break deadlock.
Higgins 3-2 McGill (0-0)
Not exactly one for the speed merchants, but has been an engrossing battle between two steely competitors. Both men also happy to score when the mood takes them.
Higgins 2-2 McGill (111-0)
Higgins looking to get his foot on the pedal in the second half of this match. Green stays out, but 111 of the best from John for a 3-2 advantage.
Higgins 2-2 McGill (72-0)
Much more like the Higgins we were witnessing in his quarter-final win over Louis Heathcote. In goes the black he requires for a 3-2 lead. Could he produce a century? Every chance now.
Higgins 2-2 McGill (41-0)
Higgins looking very assured from close range at this visit. Enough open reds to head over the 50-mark here.
Higgins 2-2 McGill (13-0)
Safety blunder by Ant early in the fifth frame, and John is given scope to banish the memories of that sitter red miss in previous frame.
Higgins 2-2 McGill (0-0)
Off they go then for the fifth frame of this semi-final contest. Higgins gets the balls rolling after the mid-sesh.
Higgins 2-1 McGill (16-99)
But he misses the green off spot on 99 when the century looked century inevitable. All square at the break then in the race to six. A break for a cuppa before they play to a finish.
Higgins 2-1 McGill (16-75)
Higgins being punished for that sitter on a red with the rest. As you would expect at this level.
Higgins 2-1 McGill (16-47)
Looks like 2-2 all the way now unless there is a blunder by McGill among the balls. Higgins will be fearing the worst.
Higgins 2-1 McGill (16-24)
Higgins missing a sitter of a red with the rest when he looked good to progress. Neither man faultless so far as McGill is handed encouragement to get his nose in front in frame. Nothing overly difficult out there, it must be said.
Higgins 1-1 McGill (67-24)
Well, nothing safe on this table. Could be another massive steal on the cards, but Ant misses black off spot on 18. Didn't expect that. Leaves red to left centre, and Higgins cans frame ball. Looks like 2-1 to the four-time world champion. McGill has seen enough. One more frame before the mid-session break.
Higgins 1-1 McGill (62-9)
But a tough red down table to yellow bag doesn't drop, and frame is not yet dead. Could be a huge counter again on the cards.
Higgins 1-1 McGill (62-6)
Ant left the door open for Higgins to walk through by missing the red with rest, and he has accepted the invite. Bouncing around the table here as he closes on a hefty knock in this third frame.
Higgins 1-1 McGill (9-6)
McGill missing with rest on a red. Bad miss and Higgins responds by dropping in a red to left centre. Chance to get moving again here.
Higgins 0-1 McGill (73-53)
Extended bout of safety, but Higgins ends the stalemate by carting in a lovely long brown. Drops in blue and pink. And battle is joined at 1-1 in this semi-final. A demanding battle between this Scottish duo.
Higgins 0-1 McGill (58-53)
Hits brown the third time, but doesn't leave a sitter and McGill refuses a tough cut on a brown to right middle. Frame right in the mixer now.
Higgins 0-1 McGill (58-53)
Well, another twist in this second frame as John can't land on brown from green. And just the safety to follow. Higgins plays the percentage shot on brown to lay snooker after making 58. But Ant escapes brilliantly and also lays a snooker. Could be a key moment in second frame. Higgins doesn't escape and white flies into green pocket. Another go at it. A second time doesn't escape.
Higgins 0-1 McGill (47-45)
John hitting back strongly here so far. Back to within touching distance in the second frame with two reds left on deck. Tough penultimate red, but he makes it looks easy to a blind pocket. Chance to win frame and level at 1-1.
Higgins 0-1 McGill (13-45)
Plant on two reds by McGill fails to drop. Didn't look possible and a reprieve for Higgins then. Into the pack off blue and chance to launch the counter attack.
Higgins 0-1 McGill (0-27)
Pink is suddenly on the black spot, but McGill is making some progress here with black on the brown spot. This frame is going to depend upon the split on reds.
Higgins 0-1 McGill (0-12)
McGill is first to the punch in the second frame of a possible 11 to be negotiated this afternoon.
Higgins 0-0 McGill (54-67)
And McGill mops up the colours with some ease to pinch the first frame. A 31-minute opening frame, but the steal is complete. A 1-0 lead in a frame Higgins looked destined to win.
Higgins 0-0 McGill (54-40)
Higgins knocks in a tricky red along top cush, but not greatest shot on black as he catches it thin. Pots yellow, but ends up going in off to left centre in slotting yellow and trying to land on green. Big chance for McGill now to steal.
Higgins 0-0 McGill (46-36)
A timely knock of 20 from Ant, and he is back in the frame here. Decent safety to follow forcing John to escape from a snooker. He escapes, but almost gets a snooker back as red comes off bump off a middle bag. One red left up. Frame in the balance.
Higgins 0-0 McGill (46-19)
But John butchers a positional shot and ends up snookering himself among the cluster of reds. Going off four cushions to hit the green in baulk. Gets there at third time of asking. And earns a round of applause too before McGill floats in long red.
Higgins 0-0 McGill (45-8)
Excellent safety shot by McGill to tuck Higgins in tight behind yellow in baulk. John can't escape coming off two cushions, and a first chance to Anthony, but he can't nudge in a red along top cush. Higgins presented with a second opportunity to get first frame won.
Higgins 0-0 McGill (42-4)
John aiming to keep a tight rein on the white ball. Which is half the battle in this game of brutally fine margins. Nice control of a cut on a red and up on right side of the blue too. Another nice recovery shot using the rest on red. But out of position on 42 and just the safety to follow.
Higgins 0-0 McGill (6-0)
A corking long red by John straight off the bat. Right at it early doors the four-time champion, who whitewashed Oliver Lines 6-0 at the same stage of this event last year.
How Higgins bridged 46-year gap in Cheltenham
John Higgins is bidding to overtake Ray Reardon as the oldest winner of a major ranking event after finding peak form in a 5-2 win over Louis Heathcote in the British Open quarter-finals on Friday night. The Scotsman is also chasing a remarkable fifth title at the competition at the age of 50 – 30 years after his maiden success that saw him defeat four world champions in his run to the title.
Read more here:
Welcome back to semi-final Saturday
Almost ready to get the balls rolling with the first semi-final at the British Open in Cheltenham. An all-Scottish battle between John Higgins and Anthony McGill is first up before Mark Selby and Shaun Murphy do battle in the evening session. Boys on baize at 1pm.
Saturday's British Open semi-final order of play
13:00 UK time
John Higgins 3-6 Anthony McGill
John Higgins 3-6 Anthony McGill
19:00
Shaun Murphy 6-1 Mark Selby
Shaun Murphy 6-1 Mark Selby
- - -
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