Murphy loses to Trump but still claims last semi-final spot - 19/11/2009

SHAUN MURPHY 2-4 JUDD TRUMP (BEST OF 6)
Murphy's scores first
78-66 (Trump 48), 11-64 (Trump 63), 39-63 (Murphy 35, Trump 45), 75-22 (Murphy 36), 43-57 (Murphy 30, Trump 34), 50-64 (Trump 39)

SHAUN Murphy has claimed the last spot in the 2009 PartyCasino.com Premier League Snooker tournament despite losing 4-2 against Judd Trump.

Murphy only needed to win one frame in his match against Judd Trump and he comfortably did that to join Trump, current World Champion John Higgins and reigning Premier League Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semi-finals.

"My mind was wondering all over the place and I'm just pleased to get the first frame," admitted Murphy. "This game does funny things to you as we put ourselves under so much pressure to do well but we put too much pressure on us.

"I've lost three matches and no one has ever gone through after doing that. But I'm very pleased to get through, especially after the first two matches where I was rock bottom of the table."

This match had expected to be a winner-takes-all encounter but Stephen Hendry's shock 5-1 defeat against Marco Fu earlier in the evening ensured Trump had qualified and made Murphy's task a lot easier than expected.

Trump looked well positioned to take the opener as he led by 47 points and later missed a frame-ball green. However, Murphy dug deep to snatch the frame on the black ball and advance into the semi-finals, which will be staged next week at the Potters Leisure Resort in Hopton-on-Sea in Norfolk.

There was still a £1,000 bonus available for every frame won and Trump earned more money by claiming the second and third frames with breaks of 63 and 45 respectively.

Murphy claimed the fourth frame to make it 2-2 but Trump regained the lead when he took advantage of Murphy failing to pot the yellow after a run of 30. But Trump made him pay as he moved eight points ahead with only two balls left. He missed the pink but it was only a temporary reprieve for Murphy as Trump downed the same ball shortly after.

Trump claimed the last frame to ensure he would finish second but the youngster now faces Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semi-finals while Murphy meets John Higgins.

"I need to raise my game against Ronnie," admitted Trump. "In the last couple of games I've not played very well. It will only be my second ever semi-final and with the line-up of players it will be a brilliant night."