Murphy and Maguire reach last four of world championship

SHEFFIELD, England, May 2 (Reuters) Former champion Shaun Murphy made a sensational comeback from 11-5 down against Matthew Stevens to become the first player to reach the semi-finals of the world championship today.

He was joined in the last four by Scotland's Stephen Maguire, who beat Anthony Hamilton 13-7.

After trailing 11-5 overnight, Murphy was on the brink of defeat when Stevens won the third frame of the final session to move to within a frame of victory at 12-7.

Stevens, who lost to Murphy in the final two years ago, missed a number of chances to produce a match-winning clearance and his opponent took full advantage, reeling off six frames in a row to clinch a 13-12 win.

''I think it's the hardest I've ever played,'' Murphy told reporters.

''I got up thinking I'd give it my best shot, but I never truly envisaged winning until it was 12-7.'' Stevens, twice a beaten finalist, will now have to qualify for next year's tournament after dropping out of the top 16 in the world rankings.

''I had the game won at 11-5, but he came back really well and I just couldn't get over the line,'' said Stevens.

Maguire, meanwhile, enjoyed a comparatively comfortable victory over Hamilton.

Leading 9-7 overnight, Maguire won the first four frames of the final session to reach the semi-finals for the first time.

''The heavy boys are still in, but everybody's as good as each other now,'' said Maguire.

Hamilton was generous in defeat and backed Maguire's chances of winning the tournament.

''He was better all the way through the match and I was just hanging in,'' said Hamilton.

''He hits the ball like a dream and when he's playing well, he's as good as anyone. I hope he goes all the way because he's a great lad.'' Qualifier Mark Selby had a 9-6 lead over Allister Carter going into the final session.

Reuters RS DB2334