O'Sullivan beats Murphy to close in on eighth title

Ronnie O'Sullivan beat Shaun Murphy 6-2 to reach his 14th Masters final and close in on a record-extending eighth title.

The world number took the opening two frames and the fourth to lead 3-1 after Murphy compiled a superb 131 break.

While another Murphy century brought him within a frame, O'Sullivan then went through the gears with runs of 90, 71 and 62 as he sealed his victory.

O'Sullivan will now face either Mark Allen or Ali Carter in Sunday's final.

As at the UK Championship in December, O'Sullivan, 48, now has his sights on the £250,000 top prize.

Already the tournament's youngest winner, he could now become its oldest too, eclipsing Stuart Bingham, who won his only Masters title, aged 43, in 2020.

More to follow.