Maguire through to Belfast final

Stephen Maguire became the first player through to the Northern Ireland Trophy final after a gutsy victory over former world champion Shaun Murphy.

The Glaswegian potter fought back from 2-0 and 4-3 down to beat Rotherham’s Murphy 6-5 in their semi-final at the Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.

The world number 10 now locks horns with either former world amateur champion Mark Allen or ex-British Open winner Fergal O’Brien.

“I just had to stick in,” said Maguire.

“I got off to a terrible start, I was very nervous and doing silly things at 2-0 down.

“But that has to be one of the best matches I’ve ever played in. I looked as if I was going 3-0 down.

“I think if I’d gone 3-0 down it was going to be an uphill struggle all day.

“But I just nicked a couple of massive frames, and it’s obviously made the difference at the end.”

The standard of this year’s first semi-final was so high that a staggering 14 half-century breaks were compiled in the 11 frames played – and it was Maguire who held sway with contributions of 56, 56, 95, 57, 54 and 52.

“It’s brilliant to be in the final. I can just relax now and look forward to the match,” added the Scot.

“I’ll be up for it 100%. In my last three matches I’ve been fighting against myself; I’ve wanted to stamp my authority, because it’s still early on in the season.”

Murphy edged into 2-0 lead – but after missing a good chance to go 5-3 ahead, saw his opponent fight back. He had match breaks of 62, 54, 56, 54, 85, 76, 60 and 71 – but it was not enough as he missed the chance of a place in his fourth ranking event final.

“I’m very disappointed; I played well enough to win but for a couple of mistakes,” he said.

“We took each other’s best punches. But at 4-3 ahead, I had a green into the yellow pocket – and I didn’t know what to do.

“I leave Belfast happy, because I’m playing well and have had a consistent start to the season. But I’d rather be in the final.”