Magic Murphy into Ally Pally final

Shaun Murphy pulled out a classy performance to reach his first Masters final - and now has a shot at the famous snooker treble.

His 6-4 win against John Higgins - including three centuries - continued his impressive form this week at Alexandra Palace, with a few saying he's playing as well as when he lifted the world title back in 2005.

Picture by Steve Kent

Tonight in particular was typical Murphy in many ways with his silky cue action in full flow and making the game look effortless to shake off a trademark gritty - if not on top form - Higgins.

Based on that, it would be fitting for Shaun to go all the way in this tournament and become only the eighth player in the game to win all three of the World Championship, UK Championship and Masters titles.

Already on that very special list is Steve Davis, Alex Higgins, Stephen Hendry, Terry Griffiths, Ronnie O'Sullivan, John Higgins and Mark Williams.

Shaun won't want to get ahead of himself too soon though. Facing Neil Robertson in tomorrow's final, he comes up against a player with a formidable record in finals and it's a chance for either one of these players to get their name on the famous Masters trophy for the first time.

Until this year, neither Murphy nor Robertson had been beyond the quarter-finals of this tournament. This is a big deal for both of these excellent professionals, and it promises to be a cracker.

Don't miss out.