John Higgins praised Shaun Murphy as playing like "God" after a gripping 17-15 semifinal defeat at the World Snooker Championship. The 43-year-old Murphy twice erased two-frame deficits in the final session to overcome the four-time champion in a Crucible classic.
Murphy, seeking his second world title, delivered a stunning performance, including four centuries, to deny Higgins a record ninth final appearance. The match seemed destined for a decider until Higgins missed a black on a break of 50, gifting Murphy the decisive chance.
"The way Shaun hit the ball was incredible. He just hits it like God," said Higgins. "I'm disappointed, but as you get older, your action starts to go at the most extreme points. Shaun was awesome and has a great chance to win it again."
Murphy trailed 13-11 heading into the final session but leveled with two total clearances. Higgins responded with two frames to restore his lead, but Murphy's fourth century sparked a comeback. Winning the last four frames, Murphy sealed victory as Higgins began to miss routine balls.
Murphy will face China's Wu Yize in Sunday's final, after Wu overcame Mark Allen 17-16 following a missed simple black by the Northern Irishman.
"I just came out knowing if I got my chances, I could score," Murphy said. "At the interval, I told myself I've done it before and could do it again. John Higgins—what a player and what a man. If I'm half the player at 50, I'll be proud."