Shaun Murphy (#6 in the world) is through to the semi-finals of The Masters snooker series after defeating Jack Lisowski (#16) 6-3.

Sean Murphy defeated Jack Lisowski at The Masters

Thursday night’s match started at 1-1, but Murphy won four straight frames and couldn’t be caught (though Lisowski came close from 1-5 to 3-5). Sean won after a decisive black ball frame.

Shaun Murphy will battle it out for a place in the grand final against World No 1 Ronnie O’Sullivan after the Rocket beat Barry Hawkins (15) 6-3.

They have met 20 times (Ronnie won 15 games), but the last confrontation took place in 2019.

The other quarter-final matches Judd Trump (2) – Ali Carter (10) and Mark Selby (5) – Mark Allen (3) will take place on Friday (from 15:00 and 21:00). The competition can be watched live on Eurosport.

Know:

• In the quarter-finals and semi-finals, the system of the best of 11 frames is played, i.e. from the first to the sixth.

• In the grand final, the best of 19 frames will be played, i.e. the first to 10.

• The semi-finals will be held on January 13 and the final on January 14 at Alexandra Palace in London.

• The total prize money is £725,000.

• The winner will receive a prize of £250,000, while the runner-up will receive £100,000.

• The maximum break was made at The Masters (147): Ding Junhui against Ronnie O’Sullivan.

• The reigning champion is Judd Trump, a title won at the 2023 tournament.