Shaun Murphy handed a lifeline to first-time semi-finalist Neil Robertson in their tussle at the World Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield. The 2005 champion surged from the overnight deadlock of 4-4 to a 9-5 lead.

But Robertson fought back, aided by mistakes from Murphy, to win the next two frames and keep himself firmly in contention for a place in the final at 9-7 behind, with 17 needed for victory.

Murphy had been dominant for most of the afternoon and when he led 57-0 in the 15th frame he looked certain to go 10-5 in front. But he broke down, missing a tricky red which allowed Robertson an opening, and the Australian cleared up with a run of 70.

At 42-33 to Robertson in the final frame, Murphy attempted an elaborate plant to pot a red and got the shot all wrong. It gave Robertson the momentum, as his opponent appeared to be flagging, and he duly wrapped up the frame to finish on a high, albeit still two behind going into tomorrow's final two sessions.