World Snooker Championship 2026: John Higgins and Shaun Murphy are locked at 8-8 after the second semi-final session.

The World Championship semi-final between John Higgins and Shaun Murphy is set for good at 8-8 after an enthralling second period at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre.

In contrast to their opening match on Wednesday, Higgins appeared to be the stronger of the two players in their first exchange.

The four-time world champion, who turns 51 on May 18, took the opening frame with a ruthless 72 break that eluded Murphy.

England’s Murphy, who is looking to end his 21-year wait for a second Crucible crown, produced a perfect riposte of 88 as he took two of the next three frames to draw level at 6-6.

When Murphy failed to shift the planter to right-centre, the error was used again, Higgins enjoying a run for a 57 edge in front of him.

The Scot then rattled off a stunning break of 86 behind a bold long red to open up a two-frame advantage.

However, Murphy took the 15th frame and turned it to the opponent’s table when Higgins missed the red down the left cushion.

Their 33-frame streak continues on Friday at 19:00 BST, with another eight frames played in the third of four sessions.

China’s Wu Yize leads 6-2 in their last four meeting with Mark Allen, which kicks off at 14:30 BST.