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STEPHEN Maguire takes on Jordan Brown for a place in the Welsh Open final today after overcoming Shaun Murphy in a thrilling last eight clash at Celtic Manor, writes Paul Martin.
The world No.8 had not been beyond the third round in a ranking event all season before arriving in Newport but has delivered increasingly assured performances throughout the week and knocked out the reigning champion with a visit of 133 in the deciding frame.
“I’m happy with how I played and it was a nice game to be a part of,” he said after his 5-4 win.
“Shaun played well and there were only a couple of pots missed.
“I was happier with the frame before (the decider) as I was in so much bother.
“I only had one shot, to clip a red in, and if it didn’t go in, I’d have been beat. I was happier with that break than the one to win it.”
Maguire will now meet world No.81 Brown, who stunned three-time world champion Mark Selby 5-4 on Friday, as he looks to continue his pursuit of the trophy he has won once previously in 2013.
Victory over the Northern Irishman would put the ‘Maverick’ in with a chance of qualifying for next week’s Players Championship, reserved for the top 16 in this year’s ranking list, but the Glaswegian insists this will not weigh on his mind at the table.
“In all honesty, I don’t deserve to be there after the season I’ve had and I was resigned to not being in it,” he said.
“It won’t add any pressure to the semi-final. I can take a lot out of how I’ve played this week.
“If I can keep this form up and score heavy, he (Brown) will have to play well to beat me.”
Watch the Welsh Open live on Eurosport, Eurosport app and stream on discovery+
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