Teenager Shaun Murphy enhanced his blossoming reputation ahead of the UK Championship to reach the Benson and Hedges Championship final in Malvern.

The 18-year-old raced to a 6-1 victory over Mark Davis in the first semi-final of the �35,000 event at the Willie Thorne Snooker Club.

His progress in Worcestershire is justifying the decision of the sport's governing body to name Murphy as one of their six young players of distinction.

Murphy, who was a semi-finalist in the recent IBSF World Championship, said: "I'm honoured to be part of the scheme but I don't feel under any extra pressure to get results."

Confidence

The Sussex-born star, whose golfing father Tony played in the 1969 British Open, has looked full of confidence throughout the competition and rarely looked in danger of losing against world number 77 Davis.

"Mark did have his chances but for whatever reason he didn't take them. Had he done so it could have been a different story," said Murphy, who compiled two century breaks in the match.

"Hopefully I can iron out the mistakes before the final. I'm not bothered who I play next. After losing in the semi-finals of the IBSF World Championship it's nice to make a final so soon afterwards."

Murphy, who next plays either Andy Hicks or Stuart Bingham, is guaranteed �3,000 but the real prize awaits the winner.