Murphy takes control

Former world champion Shaun Murphy was closing in on a place in the UK Championship semi-finals after opening up a 7-1 lead over Stephen Lee in Telford.

Lee took the first frame of their contest but Murphy hit back in style by reeling off seven in a row to take firm control, and move to within two frames of victory ahead of this evening’s resumption.

World number three Murphy has won just one ranking event since his surprise Crucible triumph in 2005 – last year’s Malta Cup – however with Ronnie O’Sullivan having already crashed out this could be the week he achieves another major victory.

The scoreline at the end of the first session was a shock given Lee’s form this week.

He had looked to be rediscovering the form which made him a fixture in the top 16 for over a decade, prior to falling out of the elite at the end of last season when he questioned his future in the game.

However a series of errors proved costly as he wasted several frame-winning opportunities and Murphy made him pay, without needing to hit top form.

While that all-English match was proving one-sided, the tussle of two Scots on the other table was proving close.

John Higgins and Stephen Maguire reached the end of their session tied at 4-4.

Higgins came from 4-2 down to draw level and set their match up for an enthralling finale.

Maguire’s first-round victory over Jamie Burnett will be the subject of a formal investigation by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association after bookmakers suspended activity following a flurry of wagers on a 9-3 scoreline in Maguire’s favour – the eventual margin of victory.

Maguire will be spoken to regarding that match, as will Burnett, however the world number two’s focus remains on his quest to win the Telford title and he looked the more assured player in an often scrappy match.