Snooker: Murphy foils Hendry

Shaun Murphy held his nerve to knock Stephen Hendry out of the World Championship yesterday.

The 2005 champion set up a semi-final meeting with Neil Robertson or Stephen Maguire after fending off a Hendry fightback in the final session. Murphy had been on the receiving end of a 147 from Hendry on Tuesday but won an enthralling match 13-11. He had been 5-2 down after Hendry's maximum break, but produced a gutsy comeback to keep alive his hopes.

Hendry stayed in touch yesterday despite trailing 9-7 overnight, but a missed red early in the 24th frame presented Murphy with an opportunity that he took in fine style with an immaculate 110.