Allister Carter has produced some of his best performances on snookers'biggest stage,and he carried the same rich vein of form from the morning into the start of the final session.
Carter secured the opener of the evening in fine fettle, with a polished 122 break. It was the fifth frame on the trot for the 30 year old cueman but more importantly gave him the lead for the first time in the match.
It was Carters' third century of this years Betfred.com World Championship.
Murphys' pedigree at this famous venue is not in doubt, and he replied immediately. A rapid sure-fire 81 break restoring parity at 9-9.
They shared the spoils of the next two scrappy frames, again the pair were level at 10-10.
Carter bidding to reach the semi-final stage for the second time in his career, was soon to reignite his charge to victory. He rattled in an excellent 61 break to lead by the odd frame at 11-10.
Murphy obviously relishing the battle responded again, this time a clinical 90 break.
He was soon to strike the front once more, after Carter missed from close range. With his trusty cue action he replied to Carters'opening gambit of 42 with a frame winning clearance of 61 extending his lead to within touching distance of the semi-final.
'The Captain' flew once more to force the tie into the decider, with a determined effort of 59. A fitting end to such a great match.
With the Crucible curtain raised, the pair fought out a tense battle.
Murphy had a the first and potentially the match winning opportunity. Going about his work, he amassed 35 points. His
next shot was to negotiate a pot on the pink to develope a cluster of reds. The reds opened but to Murphys' horror the pink did not drop.
Needing to draw on his tenacious fighting spirit he calmly reduced his arrears. He failed to clinch the match when attempting a tricky yellow, leaving it near the jaws of the corner pocket. Is only reprieve was that Murphy had to swerve to try and sink the yellow.
To his surprize it did not drop.
Carter composed himself held his nerve and cleared to the pink for very deserved victory.
Allister Carter post match comments
It was a great match to be involved in and an even better match for me as I ran out the winner. 8-4 down at the interval I felt awful but in a way that helped me as I let go and decided whatever happens, happens> I started to hit a bit of form, took a bit of momentum into tonight.
Against Joe Perry I was 10-6 up then 11-10 down then played some of my best stuff. I felt my best when it was 11-11 or 12-12 which doesn't make sense, you think you'd feel the worst but I just got stuck in.
You have too look hard at what you want, at least I did. Lots of things went through my head when I was potting the balls, I just thought of my son to be honest. Make it more purposeful not just for me but to do it for someone else.
I still can't win so I'll turn up and see what happens. A great player Neil, a tournament winner so it will be a tough match for me. Every match is a tough match so it will be no different for me. I'm still in the tournament but I don't feel as if I'm playing my best stuff yet, if you can stay in and give yourself a chance to play the next day that's all you can do.
Shaun Murphy post match comments
I dont know why we had a best of 25 frame match, we should have had a one frame shoot out.
Thats snooker, its what happens at the Crucible every year. You see it every year. Last year we all saw John Higgins win the close games.
I've got a sneaker feeling this could be Ali's year. It coulld be his turn to lift the trophy.
I had my chances in the match and you can ask of no more. I had a chance at 12-11 and a chance at 12-12. And has a professional sportsman I can ask of no more.
When it comes down to it I didn't pot the balls when needed.
It's been an average season, looking at that last frame, its a bit like my season. Had the opportunities but failed to take them.
I'll have a few weeks off, take stock of things and come back next year.
Comments on Barry Hearn.
It's absolutely fantastic, I think his involvement is long over due and I cannot wait to see the exciting new things that come our way.
