Higgins and Murphy Level at 8-8 in Semi-Final
John Higgins' last world title triumph came in 2011, while Shaun Murphy claimed the Crucible championship in 2005.
The World Championship semi-final between John Higgins and Shaun Murphy stands evenly poised at 8-8 following an engaging second session at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
Unlike the initial phase of their match on Wednesday, Higgins demonstrated greater dominance in the early exchanges of this session.
The four-time world champion, who will turn 51 on 18 May, capitalised on a missed black by Murphy to secure the opening frame with a break of 72.
Englishman Murphy, aiming to end a 21-year gap since his last Crucible title, responded strongly with an 88 break, winning two of the subsequent three frames to level the score at 6-6.
When Murphy failed to complete a plant to the right middle pocket, Higgins seized the opportunity, compiling a run of 57 to regain the lead.
The Scot then produced an impressive break of 86, initiated by a courageous long red, to extend his advantage to two frames.
However, Murphy claimed the 15th frame in a scrappy contest and reversed the momentum when Higgins missed a difficult red with the rest positioned down the left cushion, restoring parity.
The best-of-33-frames match will continue on Friday at 19:00 BST, with eight frames scheduled in the third of four sessions.
Other Semi-Final Update
China's Wu Yize holds a 6-2 lead going into the second session of his semi-final against Mark Allen, which is set to begin at 14:30 BST.
Watch Friday's action and follow live text updates
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