Masters: 'Nervous' Shaun Murphy edges past Ali Carter at Alexandra Palace
- Published
Masters 2018 on the BBC |
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Venue: Alexandra Palace, London Date: 14-21 January |
Coverage: Watch live on BBC Two, BBC Red Button, Connected TV, the BBC Sport website and mobile app. Live text on the final on the BBC Sport website. |
Shaun Murphy said his 6-4 Masters first-round win over Ali Carter was "nerve-wracking" having staved off a great fightback from his opponent.
The 2015 champion surged into a 4-0 lead, which included breaks of 119 and 87, but the world number 13 hit back as Murphy clung on to a 5-4 lead.
But a 76 break in the 10th frame secured the win and a quarter-final against world number three Judd Trump.
"I was getting a bit nervous, I was so desperate to win," said Murphy, 35.
"The last thing you want to do is go home and sit on the couch. It was nerve-wracking, but enjoyable.
"I love being out there playing and the crowd was so good, it was a great atmosphere."
The Englishman, who has won four finals this season and triumphed in the Champion of Champions, said his next match might turn out to be a thriller.
"There could be fireworks," he said of Friday's contest against Trump.
"Judd can be a phenomenal snooker player, his break-building is only second to Ronnie's. I've got my work cut out.
"I'll go out there to play how I play and hopefully, I'll get to six before he does."
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