John Higgins leads the World Championship semi‑final with a 13-11 advantage over England’s Shaun Murphy. After an even start, Murphy hit a 60‑break to take an early lead, but Higgins answered with 44 and 55 runs. The first half ended tied at 8-8, setting the stage for a dramatic second session.

At the mid‑session interval, both players had a single frame to each, highlighted by Murphy’s 82‑break and Higgins’ 63. The contest swung back and forth, with Murphy’s century emerging from the Scot’s break‑off. A 12‑12 tie seemed inevitable until Higgins pulled an extra gear, compiling a 70‑run and closing with a 101 to seal the evening in the evening.

Higgins’ 101‑break, the only century of the session, underscored his composure under pressure. Murphy’s 82, while impressive, left him trailing. The Scottish’s flawless break‑off gave him a psychological edge that sustained his momentum, but the final score left Murphy with a narrow deficit heading into the decisive session.

The match confirms Higgins’ resilience and sharp break‑making, qualities that will carry him into the final against the eventual champion. Murphy, meanwhile, must regroup before the last hurdle, as the 13-11 margin keeps his title hopes alive but demands a flawless performance in the next round.