Shaun Murphy. Picture by Monique Limbos

SHAUN Murphy says he is eager to make up for years of lost time when he returns to the famous Crucible one table set up tomorrow.

This season’s Masters winner secured his first appearance in a World Championship semi-final for six years after beating Scotland’s Anthony McGill 13-8.

Leading overnight 9-7, Murphy won four of the final session’s five frames to defeat the rising star.

In the form of his life, Murphy has won five tournaments within the past 15 months including the Masters at the start of the year which saw him thrash Neil Robertson 10-2 in the final.

And he has brought his golden form to the Crucible with impressive wins against Robin Hull, Joe Perry and now McGill. He now stands just two wins away from winning the World Championship for a second time following his maiden world title ten years ago against Matthew Stevens.

MURPHY’S GOLDEN FORM 

Gydnia Open winner (PTC) – February 2014 
World Open winner – March 2014
Bulgarian Open winner (PTC) – October 2014
Ruhr Open winner (PTC) – November 2014
The Masters winner – January 2015
German Masters runner-up – February 2015

Murphy said: “It’s a massive deal for me to get to the semis, that’s what everyone who comes to this tournament wants to do, they want to play in that one table set-up.

“It has been hard for the last few years, having to go home at this stage and watch everyone else battle on for the tournament. This time I’m in it, I’m still punching and I can’t wait.”

The quarter-final ended a fine run from McGill who has won the heart of the nation at this year’s World Championship following impressive displays and victories over Stephen Maguire and last year’s winner Mark Selby.

Anthony McGill. Picture by Monique Limbos

And Murphy praised the 24-year-old and said he has a very bright future ahead in the sport.

““The way Anthony has equipped himself in this tournament – I knew it was always going to be tough,” he added.

“I want to congratulate him on such a great performance here for the last few days. To do what he’s done as a debutant, to get to the quarters and give me such a really good run, just shows that the lad is going places.

“We’re all going to see much more of him in the years to come. He’s done it with a smile on his face, he’s enjoyed himself and he’s breath of fresh air.”