By Saj Chowdhury BBC Sport at TheCrucible
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Murphy was in scintillating form
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Shaun Murphy completed an emphatic 13-4 win over Steve Davis to reach the last four of the World Championship for the first time in his career. The 22-year-old won the first session 7-1 and led 12-4 going into the final session needing one frame for victory.
The qualifier, who reached this season's British Open semis, took the first chance that came his way.
Murphy, who is based in Rotherham, will face either Ronnie O'Sullivan or Peter Ebdon for a place in the final.
Murphy believes he can pick up the World Championship title.
"I can win at the Crucible. I think any of the players who entered had a chance of winning the event," he said.
"I'll take one match at a time and one ball at a time. But I think I've got a great chance.
"It's harder to qualify for the final stages than to play at the Crucible. It's so competitive and there's so few places available here."
Davis paid tribute to Murphy after falling to the qualifier.
"As far as the match was concerened. Shaun's potting was of an unbelievable high standard. I made too many basic errors to stay with him," he said.
"I still dont think he's the favourite, but I think his strong potting could win the world championship.
"I enjoyed the event but it would have been nice to go further. I have managed to keep my top 16 place though."
S MURPHY (Eng) 13-4 S DAVIS (Eng)
72-5 47-43 62-73 73-51 (58,41) 82-1 (82) 50-28 107-4 (72) 70-66 (58,51) 0-111 (110) 67-5 74-30 (73) 92-30 31-86 121-4 (121) 60-54 18-64 86-30