Murphy to face Higgins in world final

By Nick Johnson

SHEFFIELD, England (Reuters) - Former winners Shaun Murphy and John Higgins are to meet in the final of the world championship.

Englishman Murphy, who won the title four years ago, saw his Australian opponent Neil Robertson reel off seven frames in a row to level 14-14.

The interval which followed worked in Murphy's favour as he returned to the arena revitalised, claiming the next three frames to win 17-14.

Murphy told reporters: "The interval came at the right time for me because I was feeling terrible. I felt like a heavyweight boxer swaying on my feet.

"It was time to regroup and I went on the practice table and proved I could pot balls."

Earlier, Higgins held off another spirited comeback by qualifier Mark Allen.

The 1998 and 2007 champion led 15-9 overnight after having his advantage cut from 13-3.

Northern Ireland's Allen won four out of five frames when play resumed before the 33-year-old Scot sealed a 17-13 victory.