Shaun Murphy secured a dramatic final-frame victory against Judd Trump on Friday 11 September to advance to the semi-finals of the 2026 English Open at the Brentwood Centre. The world number seven, who has claimed 13 ranking titles including the 2005 World Championship, edged out his English rival through a combination of precise safety play and composure under pressure in the decider.
Murphy had established a 5-4 lead before Trump, ranked third globally, responded with a break of 112 to force the match into a decisive tenth frame. In that tense final frame, Murphy's superior tactical awareness proved decisive, allowing him to overcome Trump and book a semi-final berth.
In the other quarter-final involving British players, Mark Williams of Wales defeated fellow countryman Liam Davies 6-3 to secure his place in the last four. Williams recovered from a 2-2 interval scoreline to dominate the closing stages, sealing victory with a break of 112 in the final frame.
The tournament, also branded as the BetVictor English Open, is being held from 7 to 13 September 2026 at the Brentwood Leisure Centre. According to the tournament format, matches are contested as best-of-11 frames at the semi-final stage.
China's Ding Junhui delivered a commanding performance to eliminate England's Kyren Wilson 6-2. Wilson struggled early, failing to score in the opening three frames as Ding built a commanding position. Although Wilson mounted a brief recovery by winning frames four and five to narrow the deficit to 3-2, Ding reasserted control and claimed the final three frames to advance.
Ali Carter produced a remarkable comeback to edge past Zhou Yuelong 6-5 in a tightly contested quarter-final. Zhou appeared to be heading for victory after establishing a 5-3 lead, but Carter won three consecutive frames from frame nine onwards. Zhou's missed opportunity on a routine yellow ball proved costly, and Carter capitalised by winning the next frame 80-39 before dominating the decider to complete his turnaround.
What happens next
The semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday 12 September 2026, with Ding facing Carter in the first session at 12:00 BST, followed by Murphy's clash with Williams at 18:00 BST. The final will take place on Sunday 13 September, concluding the week-long tournament at the Brentwood venue.
Key Facts
- Murphy defeated Trump 6-5 in a final-frame decider to reach the semi-finals
- Williams beat Davies 6-3, recovering from a 2-2 interval scoreline
- Ding Junhui overcame Kyren Wilson 6-2 with a dominant opening performance
- Ali Carter staged a comeback from 5-3 down to defeat Zhou Yuelong 6-5
- Semi-finals take place on Saturday 12 September with matches at 12:00 and 18:00 BST
